Epiphany

Today is January 6th.  It is my birthday :)  And it is also Epiphany.  I've always known my birthday was on Epiphany (a religious holiday), but honestly never really knew what that holiday was about.  Since the churches I've grown up in have never put any emphasis on Epiphany I've always assumed maybe it was a holiday more celebrated by Catholics or other religions I know little about. So, I decided today, at 25 years old, I'd do a little research and figure out what this Epiphany day is all about, seeing as how it is special to me too.  What I discovered has been a joy, and I'm even more excited about having this birthday. 

The dictionary has several definitions of the word Epiphany. It defines it as "a sudden, intuitive insight into the reality or essential meaning of something,"  and also "an appearance or manifestation, especially of a diety." The latter definition hits it with the reference to diety, because in religious references, Epiphany is celebrated to commemorate the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Magi.  According to one source, the celebration of Epiphany began in the early Eastern church and actually included the birth of Christ. Meaning they chose Jan 6th as their Christmas day.  A few centuries later the official date to commemorate Jesus' birth was moved to December 25, and in some religions Christmastime is celebrated as the time between December 25 and Jan 6....wait for it....do the math.....the 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS!  Ah, it's all starting to make sense now, huh?  :)   Apparently the Armenians still choose to celebrate Christmas on Jan 6th.

I'm so glad I decided to actually learn what Epiphany means, instead of just saying "oh yeah, it's a religious holiday" without ever really understanding.  And, I really wish my churches growing up had taught about this, because it's such a great addition to our Christmas story.  So, in celebration of my birthday and our Lords birthday....happy Epiphany day everyone!!!