That Christmas tree can come down now. At least for most Protestants.
Tuesday was the 12th and final day of Christmas, according to the liturgical calendar followed by many mainline Protestant churches. Today, the Christian calendar marks the Epiphany, or the manifestation of God, in this case Jesus, to the world.
Mainline churches across the Triangle will mark the occasion with services in which they will read the story of the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, who come to worship Jesus and bring him gifts.
What is the Epiphany? Epiphany means to "show forth." It is the first announcement that the babyJesus is God. That announcement comes through the visit of the Magi, who according to the Gospel of Matthew, are guided to Bethlehem by a mysterious star.
To the early church, the arrival of the Wise Men was seen as proof that Jesus came not just for the Jews, but for all people.
When is the Epiphanycelebrated? In some churches, the day is celebrated on the Sunday before Jan.6. In other churches, it is celebrated today. In some traditions, Epiphany is a season that lasts until the day before Ash Wednesday.
How is it celebrated? The Epiphany is also known as the "feast of light," and many churches celebrate with a candlelight service.
In some ways the Epiphany service is the reverse of the Easter observance. Leading up to Easter, the lights are slowly extinguished; during Epiphany they are gradually lit. In some churches,Epiphany marks the beginning of the mission season, when Christians are sent out into the world.
Caveat: Roman Catholics celebrated the Epiphany on Sunday. But their Christmas season, called Christmastide, lasts until Jan.10. So those trees can stay up a few extra days.
