Epiphany means manifestation. What the Church celebrates today is
the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the
shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East
to adore Him.
We know little about the Magi. They come from the East and journey
to Bethlehem, following an astrological sign, so we believe them to be
astrologers. We assume that there were three Magi based upon the naming of
their three gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Tradition holds that they
were known by the names Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar. The Gospel does not
say how many Magi paid homage to Jesus. In Matthew’s Gospel, they represent the
Gentiles’ search for a savior. Because the Magi represent the entire world,
they also represent our search for Jesus.
We often sing one of my favorite Christmas carols today – We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar, field
and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward
leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect
light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King
forever, ceasing never, over us all
to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I; incense owns a Deity nigh; prayer and
praising, voices raising, worshiping God on high.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering
gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold him arise; King and God and sacrifice: Alleluia,
Alleluia, sounds through the earth and skies.
Perhaps today is a good day to spends some time reflecting on the
many ways Jesus is made manifest in our daily lives.
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