Epiphany used to be celebrated on January 6, twelve days after Christmas. In some countries, it was a more important feast than Christmas. Many years ago, the US Bishops decided to move it to a Sunday so that more people would observe the day than on a moveable weekday.
The word “Epiphany” comes from a Greek word meaning “to reveal.” It was used to describe an appearance or manifestation of a god. Our God became flesh in human form and lived among us. The Epiphany story points out that Jesus came to save the people of all nations. The Gentiles are co-heirs with the Jews and share the promise of Christ.
“We three kings of orient are” is not exactly what it says in the Gospel. “Magi from the east” came looking for the star. Magi were members of a learned and priestly class of ancient Medes and Persians. They would have studied the meaning of the stars. Tradition assumed that there were three of them because there were three gifts and even named them, Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar. We do not find these names in the Gospel story.
The three gifts are symbolic. Gold represents the kingship of Jesus. Frankincense and myrrh were made from tree sap and would have been as valuable as gold in that time period. Frankincense is a kind of incense used in prayer. Our prayers rise up to God as this incense climbs to heaven. It represents that Jesus is God. Myrrh was used in medicine and perfume. It was used to anoint a body after death for burial. It symbolizes that Jesus will die. The three gifts signify Jesus as human and God and King.
The feast of the Epiphany adds another dimension to our celebration of Christmas. At Christmas, we follow the shepherds and share their amazement that a Savior has been born. At Epiphany, we follow the Magi, and we uncover the light of the world who brings peace and justice out of darkness. We know the end of the story: Jesus will overcome sin and death by rising from the dead. He is the Light for all nations.
Reflection: What does it mean to be enlightened? How does the seeking and searching of the Magi compare to my faith journey?
