|
|
 The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts. The Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated
either on January 6th or the first Sunday following the 6th. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning “to reveal,” and all
of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to us. The young Messiah is revealed as the
light of the nations.
Three mysteries are encompassed in this solemnity: the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, the Baptism of Christ and the wedding
feast at Cana. Extra candles and/or lamps may be placed around the sanctuary and in other parts of the church to honor Christ revealed
as the Light of the Gentiles (Ceremonial of Bishops). It is customary to replace the images of the shepherds at the crib with the three
Magi and their gifts.
Epiphany, or the 12th day of Christmas, falls on January 6 and marks the official end to the festive season for many Christians.
Traditional Epiphany is the Twelfth Night from the Birth of Jesus, marked by a visit to the baby Jesus by The Magi, (the three Kings,
or Wise Men). It celebrates the revelation of God in his Son as human in Jesus Christ.
Roman Catholics began celebrating the Epiphany in the 4th century, associating it with the visit of the Wise Men to Jesus.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, the three kings found baby Jesus by following a star across the desert to Bethlehem.
The three kings (named Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar) followed the star of Bethlehem to meet the baby Jesus. According
to Matthew 2:11, they offered symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The gifts were symbolic of the importance of Jesus’ birth: the gold representing his royal standing, frankincense his
divine birth and myrrh his mortality.
|
|
|
|
|
