The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, comes at the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Although people sometimes think the Twelve Days of Christmas come before Christmas Day, they really occur after Christmas and lead up to Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi from the East to the Christ Child. These Wise Men followed a star that led them to Jesus. They were the first Gentiles (non-Jews) to worship Christ.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Collect for Epiphany, 1928 Book of Common Prayer
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