Meaning of Epiphany

Epiphany, in the Western church, is celebrated on January 6, completing the 12 days of Christmas. Traditionally Epiphany marks the visit of the Magi recorded in Matthew 2:1–12. (In the Eastern church, Epiphany is also an observance of the Baptism of Jesus and the revelation of the Trinity.) The wise men—Gentiles from another culture—recognized Jesus’ kingship and bowed before him in worship. Well before Paul’s teachings in the Epistles or Peter’s vision (Acts 10), this event conveys a truth of great theological significance: The gospel is also for the Gentiles and, indeed, for the whole world.