The Epiphany of Christ
A day to celebrate the universal Savior
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Today is “National Take Down the Christmas Tree Day” according to Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, a freelance writer and self-proclaimed “Queen of Holidays.” But prior to the spiritual watering down of Christian holidays, January 6 was considered by Christendom to be much less prosaic and much more directly connected to the life of Jesus Christ, the God-proclaimed one true King of Holy Days.
The day after the twelve days of Christmas is Epiphany, a day to celebrate the manifestation (or revelation) of Jesus Christ to the world, and particularly the visit of the Magi: the Three Wise Men or Kings who followed the light of the Star of Bethlehem to find the newborn King of kings.
The Magi were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) recorded in the Bible to encounter, recognize, and worship Jesus. Thus, Epiphany is traditionally a time to glorify Jesus Christ as the universal Messiah: the Savior sent by God to redeem, not one tribe or nation, but all humanity.
The meaning of this day is deeper than a household chore. After you take down the tree, take at least a moment to rejoice in and thank God for the Epiphany of Jesus Christ that started with the Magi, reached out across the world, and found its way to you.
…and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:9-11 (KJV)