Epiphany

The name “Epiphany” means “manifestation.” The Festival of the Epiphany fell and falls on January 6. It was observed as a unitive festival, as both the birth and baptism of Jesus were celebrated at this time. The emphasis was upon the re-birth of light. The unitive festival of Epiphany was divided when December 25 was chosen as the birthday of Jesus. The church in the East continued to celebrate Epiphany in terms of the baptism of Jesus while the western church associated Epiphany with the visit
of the Magi. For the East, the baptism of Jesus was more vital because of the Gnostic teaching claiming that only at his baptism did Jesus become the Son of God. On the other hand to associate Epiphany with the Magi is appropriate, for the Magi did not get to Bethlehem for a year after Jesus’ birth.