Happy Feast of the Epiphany

As celebrated within the Roman Catholic Church and several Christian denominations, today is the feast of the "Epiphany", also known as the Adoration of the Magi. According to Church teaching and historical recount, this day represents the event in which three kings came to bestow gifts upon Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Upon following the great "Star", the kings came upon the young Jesus Christ, his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his earthly father Saint Joesph. The kings bestowed the Child gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. 

"The Adoration of the Kings" by Jan Gossaert circa 1510-1515


As told in the Gospel of Saint Matthew 2:7-11 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

"When Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them. And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him. Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh."


                                          "Adoration of the Magi" by Domingos Sequeira circa 1828. 



In 1857, American clergymen John Henry Hopkins Jr. composed the Christmas Carol "We Three Kings":


We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Refrain:

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.

Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.

Refrain

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Refrain

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.

Refrain



                                         "Adoration of the Kings" by  Edward Burne-Jones circa 1910



Wishing everyone a peaceful Feast of the Epiphany!







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