Just when you though Christmas was over.
Are you aware there is another Christmas after Christmas? (As if you haven't heard enough carols this season).
Only certain nations and denominations recognize the "other" Christmas as a special holiday, but it is Epiphany (or Theophany or Three Kings Day).
It is primarily recognized for being the Baptism Of Jesus by John The Baptist on the Jordan River in many churches, but the day also has other distinguishing characteristics, such as:
- It was the destination of the Three Wise Men from the East.
- It was revealed salvation was for all humankind, as opposed to just the Jews.
- It marked the first time the 3 members of the Trinity were all in the same place together.
- It marked the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus.
There is a reason the day is later the traditional Christmas. The difference comes as the Julian calendar used is 13 days behind the old Gregorian calendar that was used in ancient times. It is the result of the Gregorian year of 365 1/4 days, which was noted to be 11 minutes off from the time of an actual year. The difference is where the time lag is and why there is a Christmas after Christmas.
Epiphany
The word "epiphany" sounds like a marvelous discovery, and it is.
Instead of celebrating the birth of Jesus into the world Epiphany celebrates primarily the baptism of Jesus. It was also significant for the 4 reasons mentioned above. There are even some who celebrate this day as their Christmas.The traditional Christmas marks the entry of Jesus into the world as a human and Epiphany marks the beginning of his illustrious public ministry. The end of his public ministry, of course, is the salvation of all humankind. From one perspective the two days are celebrated for the same reason.
What Is Epiphany, Anyways?
In terms of the second celebration it seemed a great "epiphany" for the people at the time to realize that salvation was not just for the Jews. Salvation included the Gentiles (non-Jews) and included all humans. It is one think to think of Jesus as the King of the Jews and quite another to think of him as the savior of all humankind.
The 12 days of Christmas represents the length of time the 3 Wise Men searched for the Messiah who would save humankind. We probably all know the song "The 12 Days Of Christmas." Epiphany is the 12th day after Christmas that the song is leading toward.
Indeed the Messiah is what the 3 Wise Men from the East were traveling to find for 12 days.
As the Holy Spirit descended "like a dove" to Jesus, a voice from heaven (God The Father) said,
"This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased."
- Gospel Of Matthew 3:17
There is significance to these words and the holiday. Epiphany could also be interpreted to show the following:
• It showed who John The Baptist identified as the "one who he was not fit to untie the
throngs of his sandals”.
• It showed Jesus identifies with sinners even though he is sinless himself.
• It showed John The Baptist and his baptism were from heaven and approved by God.
• It shows baptism as one step in being obedient to the God The Father.
• As stated above, it shows God present to humanity as three “persons”.
What Does This Have To Do With My Life?
Jesus was not the one who needed to be baptized, since he was sinless.
The verse from the Gospel of Matthew helps proclaim that Jesus is the one the Father appointed to atone for the sins of all humankind.
As Romans 3:23 reads,
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Where does this leave any of us? We are all doomed by ourselves.
It should be good news to realize that everything you have ever done wrong can be atoned for and it is up to you whether to receive it or not!
The public ministry of Jesus has to do with your life as it has to do with how blissful your eternity is. Many people think God's laws are rigid and restrictive but an eternity away from him would be perilous, indeed. We all know the descriptions of hell in the Bible, and that is where we would all be without Jesus.
Possessing this knowledge should captivate you beyond Christmas Day.
You might also be interested in:
What Is Epiphany?
What Would Jesus Think About Christmas?
Author: Albert Wagner