Each year on January 6, the Church celebrates Epiphany, a feast day that marks the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world. The word epiphany comes from a Greek term meaning manifestation or revealing. On this day, we remember the moment when Christ was made known beyond Israel—revealed to the Gentiles through the visit of the wise men, or magi, who followed a star to Bethlehem.
In many parts of the world, Epiphany is as significant as Christmas itself. In Spain, for example, Christmas does not end on December 25. Instead, the celebration continues through the twelve days of Christmas, culminating on January 6–Epiphany. Children eagerly await El Día de los Reyes, when the three kings—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—are said to bring gifts, commemorating the magi who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. This tradition reflects a deeper truth: Epiphany is about recognizing who Jesus truly is and responding with worship and generosity.
The biblical account comes from Matthew’s Gospel:
“The star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the Child was. 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” (Matthew 2:9–11, ESV).
The wise men were among the first to worship Jesus as Lord. Their journey, likely 500 miles or more, took time and perseverance. With no maps, no modern transportation, and no certainty of what they would find, they followed the remarkable star. The Christian calendar places Epiphany twelve days after Christmas to reflect this long and intentional journey.
What makes their story even more remarkable is who these men were. The magi were not Jewish. They were scholars from the East, educated in astrology—pagans by religious definition—yet they were attentive to the prophecies of Hebrew Scripture. They knew the words of the prophet Micah:
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me One who is to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2, ESV).
Although the Israelites were God’s chosen people, He first revealed His Son not only to shepherds, but also to foreigners. Epiphany reminds us that Christ came not for one nation alone, but for all people.
When the magi reached Bethlehem and saw Jesus, they did not simply admire Him. They fell down and worshiped. They offered costly gifts to a child who had no earthly crown, recognizing Him as a King appointed by God Himself. In that moment, they experienced an epiphany—a sudden and holy realization that they were standing in the presence of God.
A New Year’s Day 2022 message from the Billy Graham website (https://billygraham.org) challenges us to move beyond history and tradition. Epiphany is not only about remembering what happened long ago; it is about recognizing Christ here and now. Just as the magi were attentive to the star, we are invited to remain alert to the ways God reveals Himself in our daily lives—in Scripture, in worship, in acts of love, and even in unexpected encounters.
Epiphany asks us: Do we still seek Him? Do we recognize His presence? Do we respond with worship when we find Him?
The magi left changed. Scripture tells us they returned home by a different route, obedient to God’s warning. Likewise, an encounter with Christ always changes our direction. True epiphany leads to both insight as well as to transformation.
As the Christmas season fades and ordinary days return, Epiphany invites us to keep looking for the light. Christ is still revealing Himself—to those who seek, to those willing to journey, and to those ready to bow in worship.
A Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our eyes to recognize Your presence in our everyday lives, just as the magi recognized You long ago. Lead us by Your light, that we may seek You faithfully and respond with worship and obedience. Amen.
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