The Meaning of Epiphany
AdFinesTerrae: Today, in the liturgical calendar, is Epiphany Sunday. Epiphany (Gk: ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia, “manifestation” or “appearance”) is a Christian celebration of the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in the incarnation, God with us. It is also connected to the travelling Magi, the three wise men who came from the east. These men brought gifts, gifts which held important significance and gifts which highlighted certain aspects of this young baby in a manger.
In Western tradition, from a manuscript dating from the 6th C. The three Magi have been named and given national identities. Melchior (also Melichior), a Persian scholar. Caspar (also Gaspar, Jaspar, Jaspas, Gathaspa, and other variations), an Indian scholar. And Balthazar (also Balthasar, Balthassar, and Bithisarea), an Arabian scholar.
They came and brought Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The three gifts, are gold for a king, for a crown. Frankincense as perfume and and fragrant burning, for intercession, the incense which goes up to God. And Myrrh for cleansing the deceased, anticipating the sacrifice of Christ. All of which were extremely valuable in the time of Christ. These were gifts for one who was of magisterial importance.
The question for us is this: When you see the Lord for who he is, what are you prepared to give of great cost to him in response? Like Abraham who sees Melchidzedek, or David pouring out the water from the well of Bethlehem, or Mary breaking the jar of perfume, or the three Magi, what are you prepared to bring? It is right, especially at the cusp of the new year, we reflect and consider what we can bring to offer to the Lord.
This is a feast day of consecration, to give of ourselves to the Lord for the year ahead. What are you prepared to give?
Some of my greatest memories of the Christmas season involves going to mass on Christmas Eve as a child with my family and then participating in the Glory of Christmas (and Easter) for over 10-years as a family, with my husband and daughter, at the Crystal Cathedral… which after 30-years is now dark. My husband was blessed to portray the part of all 3 Kings, Magi or Wisemen over the years and our daughter flew as one of the angels.
Nativity – The Reason for the Season
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A great read: Losing Our Religion: The Liberal Media’s Attack on Christianity
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