However, I might be wrong but I think many people will go through the day and not really pay any attention to its religious significance.
The name “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word Epiphania, and means “to show, make known, or reveal.” In the beginning, the day was set aside to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Additionally, some years later the church began to recognise the visit of the Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana.
Some Greek Orthodox Churches still observe the Nativity of Jesus on Epiphany but Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican Churches and Lutheran Churches focus on the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) and Jesus’ baptism.
These Wise Men were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) to publicly recognise the divinity of Jesus, through their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, all befitting a king.
These Wise Men were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) to publicly recognise the divinity of Jesus, through their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, all befitting a king.
The baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River demonstrated that he was the Son of God. John the Baptist, according to Matthew 3:16-17, tells us the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Several Russian, Coptic, and Greek Churches also focus on the Canaan wedding miracle as part of the Epiphany celebration observance.
Also around 6th January, the symbol +C+M+B+ with two numbers before and two numbers after (for example, 20+C+M+B+14) is sometimes seen written in chalk above the doorway of Christian homes.
The letters are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. These letters also abbreviate the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, "May Christ bless the house."
The beginning and ending numbers are the year, 2014 in the example above and the crosses represent Christ.
Several Russian, Coptic, and Greek Churches also focus on the Canaan wedding miracle as part of the Epiphany celebration observance.
Also around 6th January, the symbol +C+M+B+ with two numbers before and two numbers after (for example, 20+C+M+B+14) is sometimes seen written in chalk above the doorway of Christian homes.
The letters are the initials of the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. These letters also abbreviate the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, "May Christ bless the house."
The beginning and ending numbers are the year, 2014 in the example above and the crosses represent Christ.
Epiphany represents a responsibility to remember Jesus as the Divine Son and Saviour sent by God the Father to pay for the sins of mankind. It is a time to refocus our energies on sharing this message with those in our community, and beyond.
We must “make known” what He has done for us so others may know and benefit from these truths.
Let this season of Epiphany (January 6 until Ash Wednesday) be a time of healing and fellowship as we come together to love one another as Christ commanded!
No comments:
Post a Comment