Should Christians celebrate Epiphany/Three Kings' Day? What is it?

TL;DR:

Epiphany, or Three Kings' Day, commemorates the visit of the Magi as a symbol of Jesus being revealed to the Gentiles. Christians may choose to celebrate Epiphany if it honors Christ and avoids unbiblical traditions.

what does the bible say?

Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 and marks the visit of the Magi, symbolizing the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Old Testament passages like Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72 foreshadow Gentile kings honoring the Messiah, fulfilled in Matthew 2. The New Testament emphasizes Jesus as a light to the nations (Luke 2:32) and the Magi's worship as part of God’s redemptive plan. While Epiphany has early historical roots in church tradition, some cultural practices—like using holy water or praying to the Magi—are unbiblical and should be avoided. Christians may freely choose to celebrate Epiphany as long as it honors Christ and aligns with Scripture (1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 14:5-6).

from the old testament

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the revelation ("epiphany") of Jesus to the Gentiles, symbolized by the visit of the Magi (wise men) in Matthew 2. In Western Christianity, it's often called Three Kings’ Day and focuses on the Magi bringing gifts to the Christ child. In Eastern Christianity, it emphasizes Jesus’ baptism and public declaration as the Son of God. Isaiah 60:1-6 contains prophetic imagery of Gentile nations and kings bringing gifts in response to the light of God's glory; this is seen as a foreshadowing of the Magi.
Psalm 72:10-11 is considered a messianic prophecy pointing to nations and kings honoring the Messiah.

from the new testament

Epiphany is the church calendar day that celebrates the visit of the wise men to Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). It is commemorated on January 6, twelve days after Christmas Day. It also marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas.
The word "epiphany" simply means a revelation or manifestation. The Epiphany celebrates the revealing of Jesus Christ to Gentiles (non-Jewish people) as represented by the wise men. Luke 2:32 spoke of this as well, calling the baby Jesus, "A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

implications for today

The earliest known reference to Epiphany in church history is found in the writings of Ammianus Marcellinus in 361. In 385, Egeria (also Silva) wrote of Epiphany as being practiced among churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. History show that Western churches also celebrated the baptism of Jesus and the miracle at the wedding in Cana on the same date in the early church, though this is no longer the case today.

Should Christians celebrate Epiphany? It is certainly appropriate to commemorate the wise men coming to worship Jesus. However, many non-biblical traditions have been added to Epiphany in various cultures that a believer would be wise to avoid, such as the sprinkling of "holy water" and the burning of "blessed" herbs. These superstitious practices have nothing to do with the coming of the wise men to Jesus and conflict with the practices of the New Testament Christians.

Another concerning practice is prayers to the magi. This idea is clearly at odds with Scripture. Jesus taught His followers to pray to, "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). He would later add that they were to pray in His name (John 14:13-14). At no point in Scripture are believers taught to pray to another person other than God.

Celebrating Epiphany is a matter of choice. As the apostle Paul notes, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31; see also Romans 14:5-6).

understand

Epiphany on January 6 commemorates the Magi's visit, revealing Jesus to the Gentiles.
Epiphany fulfills biblical prophecy and highlights Jesus as a light to all nations.
Christians may celebrate Epiphany/Three Kings Day if they avoid unbiblical practices and honor Christ.

reflect

How does the Magi's visit help you better understand Jesus’ mission to reach all nations, including you?
How can you honor Jesus as the light to the Gentiles in your everyday life?
Are there any holiday traditions you practice that might need to be reevaluated to ensure they align with Scripture?

engage

What does the Magi's journey reveal about God's desire to include all people in His redemptive plan?
How can Christians celebrate Epiphany in a way that keeps the focus on Christ rather than on cultural or superstitious traditions?
Why is it important to examine church traditions through the lens of Scripture, and how can we do this graciously as believers?