What Is Epiphany?

What is Epiphany? I mean, it sounds like a stuffy, religious holiday, right? Maybe it's just another excuse to stuff our stomachs with food. Is that all it is?

Let's find out. But first, we've put together a chart to summarize the most important content on this page. You should find this helpful when digesting the material.

And now, the main event, answering our question, "What is Epiphany?"

What Is Epiphany?

Epiphany is a Christian celebration focused on revelation. What is revelation? Well, in this case, it's God making Jesus Christ known to the world. He "revealed" Him to the world. Hence the word "revelation."

The word Epiphany comes from the Greek epiphaneia, meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.” If you think about it, our English word "epiphany" reflects the true meaning behind the celebration. When someone has an "epiphany," they're having an "ah-hah moment."

So how does this relate to what we're talking about? What is Epiphany?

When God sent His Son to Earth, that was THE "ah-ha moment," the epiphany, for the whole human race.

While Christmas highlights Christ’s birth, Epiphany highlights His unveiling, that "ah-hah moment" when we could actually see and touch God. It celebrates who He is. It also showcases why He came and how God draws the nations to Him.

Christians traditionally observe Epiphany on January 6, immediately after the Twelve Days of Christmas. Across the centuries, the Church has used this day to reflect on the moments when Jesus’ identity shines clearly and publicly.

The Biblical Heart of Epiphany

Different Christian traditions emphasize different events. Despite this, they all revolve around the same truth. What is that truth? Jesus is revealed in glory.

In Western Christianity, Epiphany centers on the visit of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. These wise men from the East follow a star God provided, seeking the newborn King. Their arrival shows that Christ’s coming is not limited to Israel. He is the Savior for all nations.

Their gifts preach a wonderful message. Gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divine identity, and myrrh pointing toward His sacrificial death.

In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany (often called Theophany) focuses on Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13–17). That event showed who Jesus really is. The heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son.” The Triune God is revealed, and Jesus steps into His public ministry with divine affirmation.

Some early Christians also connected Epiphany with the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1–11). John tells us that this miracle “manifested His glory,” and His disciples believed in Him.

Really, it doesn't matter what tradition it is. Whether the focus is the Magi, the baptism, or Cana, the theme is consistent. God reveals His Son, and people respond in faith.

Epiphany: How Jesus Is Revealed
Event	Scripture	What It Reveals About Jesus
The Visit of the Magi	Matthew 2:1–12	Jesus is the promised King who draws the nations. The gifts proclaim His kingship, deity, and sacrificial mission.
The Baptism of Jesus	Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22	The Father declares Him the beloved Son. The Spirit descends on Him. The Triune God is revealed as Jesus begins His public ministry.
The Wedding at Cana	John 2:1–11	Jesus manifests His glory through His first miracle. His disciples believe in Him as the One who brings true transformation.

A Feast Older Than Christmas in Some Places

Did you know that in some parts of the early Church, January 6 was celebrated before December 25 was formally recognized as Christmas? It's true, and the story is interesting.

Epiphany originally gathered several events of Christ’s early life into one sweeping celebration of His revelation. This celebration included His birth, the Magi, His baptism, and His first miracle. Over time, the calendar separated these moments.

In all of it, Epiphany always retained its emphasis on Christ made known.

How Epiphany Is Observed Today

Practices vary across cultures. As we've already seen, they all point back to the same central truth. Jesus Christ is the revelation of God, the Light who has come to dispel the darkness, revealing everything (John 1:9).

Common Themes You’ll See

If you celebrate Epiphany, you may notice some common themes. Let's take a look at a few:

Worship services that focus on Matthew 2, the baptism accounts, or John 2
Emphasis on Christ’s kingship and His mission to the nations
Prayers or blessings marking the beginning of a new year

These traditions aren’t about ritual for its own sake. In reality, they’re about remembering that God has acted in history and clearly and purposely revealed His Son.

Why Epiphany Still Matters

Epiphany reminds believers that Jesus is not hidden. God has made Him known through Scripture, through the Spirit, and through the gospel itself.

The Magi show us that God draws seekers from every background. The baptism of Jesus shows us the Father’s clear testimony about His Son. Cana shows us that when Christ reveals His glory, faith deepens.

So What is Epiphany and Why Should It Matter to Me?

Simply put, Epiphany is another chance to remember what God has done for us. It reminds us of God's love and care for a race that didn't care about God and rejected His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:10).

But Christ appeared (John 1:14). In that moment, we can have an epiphany. We can realize how important that event was. This leads us to the conclusion that Epiphany is more than stuffing our mouths with food or an excuse to put up decorations. It's another time to reflect on how much our salvation cost God.

If you want to celebrate Epiphany, first ask yourself these questions:

How is Jesus revealing Himself through Scripture in this season of my life?
Where might God be calling me to respond with worship, obedience, or mission?
How does Epiphany remind me that the gospel is for all nations?

Epiphany is ultimately about clarity. If it helps us see Jesus for who He truly is, it's something valuable. In that moment, it becomes valuable, we will learn to respond with faith more readily.

God bless.