Body
Many Christian Churches celebrate the Feast of Epiphany at this time of the year. It occurs every year on the 12th day of Christmas, on January 6th. Consequently, for many Christians, Christmas is a season and not merely a day and the Season does not end until Sunday January 13th. Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Magi who followed the star, and who came from the East to pay homage to “the newborn King of the Jews.” The word Epiphany comes from 2 Greek words epi, “on” or “upon” and phaino “ to appear, to shine.” It is a feast of light. The word “Epiphany “also translates as “showing through” or “manifestation” or “revelation” or “disclosure.” Epiphany is about the manifestation of Jesus to the whole world as the Light of the world. The Magi who came to worship Jesus represent all the non-Jewish peoples. Jesus is being revealed as King and Savior of all peoples both Jewish and Gentile. The appearance of Jesus as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel fulfills Old Testament prophesies such as Isaiah 60:1-7 where the Lord inspires the prophet to (speak and) write “Arise, shine for your light has come” and “the Lord will arise upon you “ and “nations shall walk by your light and kings in the brightness of your rising.” Therefore Epiphany refers to the divinity of Jesus “shining upon” the earth. It is the manifestation of His divine nature.