Epiphany
Epiphany, also known as Three King's Day or the Twelfth Day (or Twelfth Night) is celebrated in the United States on January 6. The word 'epiphany' comes from Greek and means 'manifestation'. The Christian feast celebrates the revelation of God to man (a theophany) and the presence of God as Jesus Christ in human history.
In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates the Gospel of Matthew, according to which the Magi (the Three Wise Men) from the East went to Bethlehem to worship Jesus Christ, arriving twelve days after His birth.
The three wise men - named Melchior, representing Europe; Caspar, representing Arabia; and Balthazar, representing Africa - followed the star of Bethlehem across the desert to meet the baby Jesus, offering gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gifts were symbolic of the importance of Jesus' birth, the gold representing his royal standing; frankincense his divine birth; and myrrh his humanity and his forthcoming sacrifice.
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." ~Matthew 2:10-11
Festivities for the ancient Christian feast day vary around the world, from swimming in icy waters to exchanging presents, fireworks and parades. In many countries the day is a public holiday. Hundreds of years ago, roast lamb was traditionally served at Epiphany in honor of Christ and the three Kings' visit. In some European countries, children leave their shoes out the night before to be filled with gifts, while others leave straw for the three Kings' camels. Although it is not a public holiday in the United States, many Christians take part in Epiphany activities such as:
*Star processionals on the Sunday closest to January 6 for church services.
*Parties or get-togethers to clean up homes after the festive season and put away Christmas decorations.
*Treasure hunts to find a figure of the Christ child.
*Epiphany luncheons, parties and celebrations among churchgoers.
*Sunday school activities for children that focus on Epiphany, such as creating the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem.
Various paintings, artworks and sketches show the three wise men and Jesus. Some artworks show the three wise men on the way to Bethlehem or adoring baby Jesus. The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings who came for the Jews and the Gentiles.
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." ~Matthew 2:1-2
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." ~Luke 2:11-14