The Feast of the Epiphany
What is the Feast of the Epiphany?
The feast of manifestation, or Epiphany, is traditionally celebrated the 12th day after Christmas, January 6th.
On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours.
The Epiphany celebrates God's revealing or manifesting of Jesus' identity as true God, Messiah, and Saviour of the world. It not only commemorates the fact that Jesus appeared to save us, but that God revealed the identity of Jesus to the world.
The feast of Christ's divinity completes the feast of His humanity. It fulfills all our Advent longing for the King "who is come with great power and majesty." We see that whereas Christmas is the family feast of Christianity, Epiphany is the great "world feast of the Catholic Church."
The Feast of the Epiphany Prayer:
Lord Jesus
may your light shine our way,
as once it guided the steps of the magi:
that we too may be led into your presence
and worship you,
the Child of Mary,
the Word of the Father,
the King of nations,
the Saviour of mankind;
to whom be glory forever.