Why is epiphany important to christians

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email! GR News. Greek News. All Archaeology Art Charity Crime.

By Nick Kampouris. He made himself known so we might know him. Traditions observing Three Kings Day vary around the world and have changed over time. In Italy, one would find processions, ceremonies, nativity plays, and carnivals. Some folklore and customs of Epiphany throughout the world include children receiving gifts on this day rather than on Christmas Day. In some Spanish-speaking countries, three kings deliver gifts not Santa Claus.

On Twelfth Night, as it is known in some countries, children would leave a shoe and a bit of straw on their doorstep. They would find their shoe filled with gifts and the straw gone. Whoever finds the trinket, is King or Queen for the day.

It also points our hearts to our status as royal priesthood as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2. Today, some people use Epiphany to take down their Christmas decorations and store them away for the next year.

The Common Book of Prayer has readings for churches to read to mark the Epiphany season. Many of these readings focus on God revealing himself to his creation. Not all Christians celebrate Three Kings Day, but many do.

Whether someone celebrates Epiphany depends on their own personal choice or whether or not their church observes it. Either way, it is a great way to close out the Christmas season and turn our hearts towards keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. One of the many reasons I love this time of year is because of the daily, physical reminders of Jesus everywhere.

The star ornaments point my mind to the star that led the wise men on their two-year journey. The tree is in the shape of 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. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look about you; All assemble and come to you; your sons and daughters are carried on the arm.

Thank you for revealing yourself to us. Pope Francis kisses a baby Jesus statue during Epiphany mass at the Vatican. Epiphany is celebrated in many different ways by Catholics, Anglicans and Orthodox Christians all around the world.

But before we list all the ways Epiphany is observed, please keep in mind that this year's celebrations will undergo some changes due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In Italy, La Befana is a national holiday so public offices and schools are closed. This year it also happens to be the last 'red zone' day during Italy's lockdown. Children receive most of their Christmas presents on this day — delivered by the three kings, of course. Candy and presents are tossed to kids by the Wise Men during the annual Epiphany parade in Spain.

This year many regions have cancelled the traditional parade. But the three kings will still arrive!