Epiphany - while many know it as the day marking 12 days after Christmas and the time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations, it's actually a holiday with significant meaning. Epiphany means “appearance or manifestation.” Throughout the world, Christians celebrate it on January 6, 12 days after Christmas Day. In the third century, the early Church leaders established Epiphany. This holiday celebrates and recognizes Christ’s birth, baptism, the adoration of magi, and the first miracle at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. These four manifestations reveal God to mankind.
One of the many reasons I love this time of year is because of the daily, physical reminders of Jesus everywhere. The twinkly lights on my tree remind me of the angels announcing Christ’s birth to the shepherds. I’m reminded to shine bright in my everyday life each time I walk by my lit tree. The star ornaments point my mind to the star that led the wise men on their two-year journey. This is a gentle reminder that, sometimes, following Christ means I don’t know where I’ll end up, but if I keep following him, I’ll get to where he wants me to be. The tree is shaped like a triangle, which reminds me of the Trinity. The nativity display brings the reality of the stable close to my heart. The music that plays everywhere helps corral my thoughts and fixes them on Jesus. Epiphany, the manifestation of God, is a lovely opportunity to rejoice that Christ has appeared for all men regardless of race or status.
Epiphany is a time of revelation. Jesus revealed himself to the Israelites and the Gentiles, represented by the Wise Men. God doesn’t play favourites but receives all whose hearts long for him. May we open our hearts to receive revelation from God this year. May we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. May we reveal the reason for which we have hope and celebrate the epiphany of the Lord in our lives.

~Excerpts taken from an article by Jessica Van Roekel.