Guardian Angels News

The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6 or the nearest Sunday in many parts of the world, marks the culmination of the Christmas season and the revelation of Christ to all nations. While Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, Epiphany highlights His manifestation as the Savior of the world, not only to the people of Israel but to all humanity.

The Visit of the Magi

The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of wise men from the East—traditionally referred to as the Magi—who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. Bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they knelt in adoration before the Christ Child.

Each of the gifts offered by the Magi holds profound symbolism:

• Gold represents Jesus’ kingship.
• Frankincense, often used in worship, signifies His divinity.
• Myrrh, an embalming ointment, foreshadows His suffering and death.

In this act of homage, the Magi acknowledge Jesus as King, God, and Sacrifice, revealing His mission as the Redeemer of the world.

A Feast for All Nations

The word “epiphany” means “manifestation” or “appearance.” The Feast celebrates Christ’s revelation to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi. Unlike the shepherds who were first to hear of Christ’s birth, the Magi came from afar, signifying that salvation is not limited to one nation or people but is offered to all.

As St. Paul wrote in his Letter to the Ephesians, “The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:6).

The Light of Christ

One of the prominent themes of Epiphany is light. The star that guided the Magi to Bethlehem symbolizes the light of Christ, which shines in the darkness and draws all people to Him. The Feast reminds us that we, too, are called to be bearers of Christ’s light in the world.

This call to mission is especially relevant today, as the Church continues to proclaim the Good News to every corner of the earth. Just as the Magi followed the star, we are invited to seek Christ with sincere hearts and to lead others to Him through our witness.

Epiphany Traditions

Epiphany is rich in customs and traditions that emphasize its spiritual significance:

• Blessing of Homes: Many families mark their homes with blessed chalk, inscribing the year and the initials C+M+B, which stand for the traditional names of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—as well as the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat (“May Christ bless this house”).
• Processions and Pageants: In some cultures, processions and reenactments of the Magi’s journey are held.
• Sharing King’s Cake: A popular custom in countries like Spain and Mexico involves sharing a “king’s cake,” with a hidden figurine of the Christ Child baked inside. The person who finds it is often tasked with hosting the next celebration.

Living the Mystery of the Epiphany

The Feast of the Epiphany challenges us to reflect on how we respond to the light of Christ. Like the Magi, are we willing to make sacrifices to seek Him? Are we ready to offer the best of ourselves—our “gold, frankincense, and myrrh”—in service to Him?

As we celebrate this feast, let us renew our commitment to follow Christ, who is the Light of the World, and to share His love and truth with all we encounter. May we, like the Magi, continually seek Him and bow in adoration before the One who calls all nations to salvation.

Prayer for Epiphany
O God, who by the leading of a star revealed Your Son to the nations, guide us by the light of faith, that we may walk always in Your ways and bring others to the joy of knowing Christ. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Joe Connelly