What Is Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day? What January 6 Teaches Us About God
If you’ve ever heard someone mention Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day and weren’t totally sure what it meant, you’re not alone. Epiphany Day—celebrated on January 6—is one of those Christian holidays that’s deeply meaningful but often unexplained.
At its core, Epiphany is about God being revealed.
Not in a dramatic, lightning-from-the-sky kind of way—but in a quiet, unmistakable revelation that changed how people see Jesus, themselves, and the world around them. That’s what he does for all of us.
What Is Epiphany Day?
Epiphany Day remembers the moment when Jesus was revealed to people outside of his immediate community.
In Matthew 2, we read about the Magi—wise men from another land—who followed a star to find the Christ child in Bethlehem.
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
— Matthew 2:2
This matters because it shows us something important about God’s heart: Jesus wasn’t revealed only to insiders. By sending wise men from a far land, from the very beginning, God made it clear that Jesus came to reveal himself to the whole world.
That’s what Epiphany means—a revealing.
Epiphany and Light
Throughout Scripture, people seeing God and recognizing Him are always connected to light.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
— Isaiah 60:1“The people living in darkness have seen a great light.”
— Matthew 4:16
Light, if you think about it, is all about clarity. Light reveals what was already there. In the dark, you may not be able to see your own hand in front of you. But when the light shines, you can finally see what was there all along. That’s an epiphany.
Three Kings’ Day—Epiphany—reminds us that faith really begins not with certainty, but with recognition. Faith starts the moment when something clicks and you realize God has been closer than you thought the whole time.
The Three Kings: Curiosity That Leads Somewhere
Like all of us, The Magi didn’t have all the answers. They weren’t part of Jesus’ culture or religious background. But they felt a call and listened to it.
Their story matters because it tells us that curiosity is just the beginning of faith. History tells us that they traveled likely 4 to 5 months to get to the baby Jesus. They started out from Persia (which is Iran today) on camel to Jerusalem following a star—the Light—the whole way.
Sound familiar? You might be curious about God and faith and feeling yourself being drawn towards the “light.”
Be like the wise men. Turn your curiosity into action and seek God. Just like he did for the wise men, God will meet people who are willing to seek Him—Epiphany Day is a reminder of that.
Why Epiphany Still Matters Today
For many people, their questions about faith aren’t about whether God exists. They’re more about whether faith is honest, relevant today, and applicable in real life.
Epiphany speaks directly to that tension.
Three Kings’ Day tells us:
You don’t have to have everything figured out to follow Jesus.
God reveals Himself through a journey of honesty and seeking.
Faith grows through curiosity, not just certainty.
Epiphany gives us permission to keep learning.
Why We’re Called Epiphany Church
At Epiphany Church of Wilmington, our name reflects what we hope people experience here—the light of Christ.
We want to be a church where people:
Discover who God is in a real and personal way
Feel welcomed while they’re still figuring things out
Grow in clarity, community, and purpose over time
Just like Epiphany Day itself, we believe God still reveals Himself—to people in process, in transition, and in everyday life.
And we believe that kind of faith doesn’t stay private. It shapes how we love our neighbors, show up for our city, and live with intention.
A Simple Invitation
Epiphany Day reminds us that God is waiting to reveal himself to us individually. He doesn’t push. All He needs is a willing heart to make a move toward him.
Sometimes revelation comes through Scripture. Sometimes through community. Sometimes through a quiet realization that you’re being invited into something deeper.
As January 6 comes around this year, our hope is simple: that you remain open to what God might be showing you—and that you know you don’t have to walk that journey alone.
If you’re looking for a church in Wilmington where curiosity is welcomed and faith is lived out together, we’d love to be that place for you. Join us at 301 N. Union St., Wilmington, DE 19805.