The Epiphany

[djprescott]

Today is the feast of the Epiphany. What does this celebrate/commemorate?

[Quizmonster]

Click http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05504c.htm for the answer.

[bbdr1]

Epiphany is the climax of the Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are counted from December 25th until January 5th.  The day before Epiphany is the twelfth day of Christmas, and is sometimes called Twelfth Night, an occasion for feasting in some cultures

[woofgang]

In brief, epiphany celebrates/ remembers the coming of the three kings (I know, the bible just says "wise men" and no specific number) They were the first people to recognise the whole of Jesus' nature as is shown by their gifts (gold for kingship, incense for godhead, myrrh for death) and their warning to Mary and Joseph about  Herod,  precipitated the flight into Egypt and saved Jesus from Massacre of the Innocents

[Octavius]

Depends which side your bread is buttered.

 

The Western tradition claims Epiphany is for coming of the wise men, the Eastern tradition sees it as the manifestation of Christ to the world at his baptism.

The general topic of Epiphany Season is Jesus� manifestation of himself as God. (The word epiphany is Greek for manifestation.) In most churches, Bible readings and sermons during this time of the year deal with Jesus� identity, beginning with his baptism.

Epiphany (the day) began in the eastern Church as the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. As the celebration of Christmas spread eastward, Epiphany changed to its present meaning. Some Oriental Christians have not yet acquired Christmas. For them, Epiphany, which they celebrate on January 6 of the Julian calendar, continues to be the celebration of the Nativity.

Epiphany Season begins on the Epiphany, which is 6 January, and ends on the day before Lent.