The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as “Three Kings’ Day,” is an anchor feast of the Christian liturgical year. It celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, personified by the visit of the Magi, and highlights His divinity.  As we approach the Epiphany in 2025, one could not seek a better occasion to learn about its biblical origins, discover traditional ways to celebrate, and understand what it means to practicing Christians in modern times. Also, you can take advantage of this day to tell some Bible stories to kids in the family as you come together to celebrate!

What Is the Epiphany in the Bible?

In Christian theology, the word Epiphany is derived from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.” Biblically, the term refers to the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God to the Gentiles. This is poignantly expressed in the Gospel of Matthew (2:1-12) when the Magi, otherwise known as Wise Men from the East, guided by a star in the firmament, travel to Bethlehem with the purpose of paying homage to the newborn King.  Their visit symbolizes recognition of Jesus’s universal mission, beyond Jewish heritage, to all of humanity. The story says the Magi presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to represent a threefold aspect of Christ’s identity:

• Gold: Representing Jesus’ royal status as King.
• Frankincense: Denoting His divine nature and priestly role.
• Myrrh: A foreshadowing of His mortality and the anointing at His burial.

Apart from the visit by the Magi, Epiphany can be celebrated to manifest more and other developments regarding Christ’s divinity. These notable events are Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, done through the hands of John the Baptist and by the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the first public miracle during the wedding at Cana.

Meaning of Epiphany Feast

The Feast of the Epiphany holds profound theological and cultural significance:

• Theological Significance: Epiphany underlines that Christ was to be manifested as much to the Gentiles and thus universal in mission. It records the 3 major incidents of manifestation:
• Cultural Significance: Epiphany relates to local customs and traditions worldwide, reflecting diverse community celebrations of Christ’s manifestation. From processions to special foods, the customs that surround the Epiphany celebration create a diverse cultural mosaic.

Spiritual Reflection: Epiphany calls the faithful to reflect on the manifestation of God’s presence in their lives and challenges them to seek and acknowledge the divine surrounding them in the world, much like the Magi who followed the star to Christ.

When Is Epiphany in 2025?

Epiphany in 2025 is on Monday, January 6. While the date itself is always fixed, it falls on a different day of the week each year. Many countries celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday nearest to this date so that more people can participate because of work considerations. In the United States, for instance, the Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. Moreover, Epiphany has a special place within the Christian liturgical calendar, coming between Christmas and the beginning of Ordinary Time. It is seen as the conclusion of the Twelve Days of Christmas, leading into the Lord’s baptism.

How Do You Celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany?

Traditions surrounding Epiphany are varied across cultures and denominations, most rich in symbolism and communal rejoicing.

• Liturgical Celebrations: Most Christian denominations observe the Epiphany with special services that include readings that relate not only to the visit of the Magi but also to other events that were epiphanies.
• Feasting and Special Foods: Epiphany is often celebrated by baking special pastries. In parts of the United States, particularly Louisiana, the King Cake is a traditional part of Epiphany and the subsequent Carnival season.
• Blessing of Homes: In some traditions, the clergy blesses chalk, which congregants use to inscribe their doorways with the initials of the Magi, C+M+B, along with the current year, to invoke blessings upon their homes.
• Removal of Christmas Decorations: Epiphany traditionally concludes the Christmas season. In many cultures, it marks the day Christmas decorations need to come down.

Modern Observances and Ecumenical Significance

Epiphany is still an important feast for many Christian denominations in modern times and creates ecumenical harmony.

• Ecumenical Services: On the day of Epiphany, many communities have joint services of different Christian denominations, pointing to the universality of Christ’s revelation and, therefore, ecumenism.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Epiphany is a feast that shows the revelation to all nations, so calling Christians to dialogue with people of other faiths and inclusiveness of God’s manifestation in Christ.

All are invited to reflect on their personal “epiphanies,” times of clarity or insight, and consider how they can make divine love and justice visible in the world.  The feast of the Epiphany is steeped in tradition; it speaks volumes about the universality of Christ’s message. As Epiphany shall be celebrated in 2025, it serves as an invitation to behold the manifestations of the divine currently in our lives and to say, “Yes, I too am called to share this revelation with the world.”