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The feast of Epiphany, January 6th, originating in the Eastern Church, early centered upon three mysteries: (1) the incarnation, God's coming to us as Christ (2) the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan river and (3) Jesus' first miracle, the changing of water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Together these portray the way God manifested to the world in Christ. (Epiphany means manifestation or showing forth.) With the acceptance of December 25th as the feast of the incarnation, Epiphany in Eastern Christianity now focuses primarily upon the baptism of Jesus. In those portion of the East where December 25th has never been accepted, it still retains its centering upon the incarnation as well. In the Western Church, the adoration of the magi has long been associated with Epiphany. It therefore has a focus on Christ as the light to the Gentiles. Since Epiphany is a day and not a season, it may be regarded as the end of the Christmas season.
WHITE is the traditional color for Epiphany, since it is a festival of the Lord.
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