The holiday season is not finished yet — at least not for many Christians.

The feast of Epiphany takes place every year on Jan. 6, when Christians celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to the world.

The details of the event differ among churches. However, Christians widely believe that Epiphany is the time to rejoice in the realization that Jesus is the world’s savior.

The origin of the holiday is centuries old and a source of disagreement, as Eastern and Western churches mark the day using different biblical events. Many Western Christians believe Epiphany first occurred during the visit to Jesus by the three wise men, who were Gentiles rather than Jews.

“This was a (realization) by outsiders that somehow God is doing something new and they can get it,” said the Rev. Andrew McDonald of Westminster Presbyterian Church. “This is an ‘aha’ moment.”

Eastern Christians, on the other hand, date Epiphany to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, where he began his public ministry. For years, Eastern Christians celebrated both Christmas and Epiphany on Jan. 6.

 But by the sixth century, Western Christians established two holidays, celebrating the birth of Jesus on Dec. 25 and his manifestation on Jan. 6, 12 days after Christmas. Today, both the East and the West recognize Epiphany and Christmas on separate days.

Regardless of differing views about Epiphany’s origin, the meaning of the feast day is a common link among many Christians.

“It’s the season for us to acknowledge Jesus as the light of the world,” said the Rev. Aaron Erdley of First Lutheran Church, “and to reaffirm our commitment to spreading the light.”

Jim Keyser of Trinity United Methodist Church said Epiphany signals the season to remember the life of Jesus from birth to death, when many began to realize that Jesus arrived for their sake.

“He’s manifested not just to the local people, but to the world,” Keyser said, “especially in the story of the wise men.”

Essentially, Epiphany is a time to take the news of Christmas and spread it around, said the Rev. Brent Johnston of First Presbyterian Church. The event is also an opportunity for personal self-reflection.

“Epiphany is a great season to begin a spiritual pilgrimage,” Johnston said. “That is something we encourage our congregation. Not only can it mean a big revelation that Jesus is Christ; it can be a small revelation that draws us closer to the center of God’s heart. What is it about our life that needs changing?”

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Epiphany is known as “Theophany” and is one of the most celebrated days, along with Easter and Christmas. To remember the baptism of Jesus, churches host a service on the day of Epiphany and bless water.

“Jesus re-sanctified the world as it had been originally by going into the Jordan (River) and blessing the waters,” said the Rev.  Nicholas Klodnicki of the Three Hierarchs Ukrainian Orthodox Church. “(It) was a cleansing of their world.”

Many Eastern Orthodox churches will celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6 of the old Julian calendar, which falls on Jan. 19 of the modern Gregorian calendar.

Other churches, too, will host special events to remember Epiphany. First Lutheran Church (1551 S. 70th St.) will have a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in honor of the holiday. And on Jan. 11, St. David’s Episcopal Church (8800 Holdrege St.) will host a winter benefit with carols, skits and displays in observance of Epiphany.

Other churches, including local Methodist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches, will discuss the holiday either this Sunday or next Sunday rather than host services Tuesday.

However it’s celebrated, the day will certainly be remembered.

“This is not something that is trying to build up walls against outsiders,” McDonald said. “This is a religious celebration that is highlighting the importance of outsiders being included.”

Reach Michael McHale at 473-7254 or mmchale@journalstar.com.