Eid al-Tajli means “emergence” or “manifestation”. Christians around the world celebrate this feast on January 6, which is twelve days after Christmas. Many countries recognize it as “Three Kings Day”. On this day, Western Christianity recognizes the coming of Christ to the Gentiles. Gentiles symbolize this event with the visit of the magi (maghan) to the childhood of Jesus Christ and show that God’s gift is in the form of good news (good news) for all people.
Eastern Christianity celebrates the baptism of Jesus on this day. His baptism revealed His identity to mankind. Eid al-Tajli is the celebration of the appearance of God to the world in the east or the west.
History and traditions of Epiphany
Since the word “Epiphany” means “appearance” or “manifestation,” early Christian celebrations commemorated each of the four appearances of Christ. These four events are: His birth, His praise by the Magi (magans), His baptism, and His first miracle at Cana, where He turned water into wine.
These four events reveal God’s revelation to humanity. At his birth, angels bore witness and shepherds, symbolizing the nation of Israel, bowed before Jesus. The visit of the Magi introduced Jesus to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit descended at his baptism and God revealed the identity of Jesus. The first miracle at the wedding at Cana revealed the divinity of Jesus to nature. God revealed himself to humanity through the person of Jesus. He revealed himself that we might know him.
Traditions surrounding the “Day of the Three Kings” (Eid al-Tajli) vary around the world and have changed over time. In the Middle Ages, celebrations centered on the journey of the Magi. In 1336 in Italy, one can witness processions, ceremonies, Nativity scenes and carnivals. Some Epiphany legends and customs around the world include children receiving gifts on this day instead of Christmas Day. In some Spanish-speaking countries, the Three Kings bring the presents, not Santa Claus. In some countries, on Twelfth Night, children leave a shoe with some straw on it at the entrance of the house. The next morning, they find their shoes full of presents and the straw missing.
Do all Christians celebrate Epiphany?
No, not all Christians celebrate Epiphany, but many do. Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans and Eastern Orthodox celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. Whether or not one celebrates Epiphany is a matter of personal choice or whether one’s church recognizes it. After all, Epiphany is a great way to end the Christmas festivities and turn our hearts to maintaining the central place of Jesus in our lives.
A special prayer for the Epiphany
O Lord Jesus Christ,
Thank you for revealing yourself to us. We joyfully worship you with joyful shouts. We come to your door with songs of joy and join the angels who say: “May God be glorified in the highest heavens and may peace be established on earth among men.” We receive your peace and comfort.
As we enter the new year, we ask you to remember your divinity and rejoice in knowing you. You are a miracle-working God, so we ask you to do a mighty work of inner transformation in our lives. Change us to become more like you. Let our words and the thoughts of our hearts be pleasing to you. As the wise men followed the star, we pledge to follow you. Lead us and guide us. Give us peace and healing. Let our hearts lean toward You, as You reveal Yourself to us more and more. We worship you and give you glory.
Turning our hearts to Jesus
One of the many reasons I love this time of year is because of the physical, everyday reminders of Jesus everywhere. The twinkling lights on the Christmas tree remind me of the angels who announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds. Every time I pass a lighted Christmas tree, I remind myself to be bright in my everyday life.
The star ornaments lead my mind to the star that guided the Magi for two years. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, following Christ doesn’t mean I know where I’ll end up, but if I follow Him, I’ll end up where He wants me to be. The shape of the Christmas tree is similar to a triangle, which reminds me of the Trinity. The Nativity scene brings the reality of the manger closer to my heart. The music playing everywhere helps gather my thoughts and focus them on Jesus.
The Feast of the Transfiguration, which means the manifestation of God, is a joyous occasion to celebrate the coming of Christ for all human beings, regardless of race or social status.
Today in the article : What Is Epiphany? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
