In the Catholic Church, the Epiphany, typically celebrated on the Sunday closest to January 6th, holds profound theological significance. It marks the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior to all nations, symbolized by the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, from the East. This feast is also known as Theophany, meaning the manifestation of God.
Key Meanings of the Epiphany
- Revelation to the Gentiles: The primary meaning of the Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi. This signifies that Christ’s salvation is intended for all people, not just the Jewish nation. The Magi’s visit, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, illustrates the universal scope of Jesus’ mission.
- Recognition of Jesus as King and God: The gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh— carry deep symbolic meanings:
• Gold signifies Jesus’ kingship.
• Frankincense represents Jesus’ divinity and role as a high priest.
• Myrrh foreshadows Jesus’ suffering and death, highlighting his role as Savior. - Divine Guidance and Obedience: The Magi’s journey following the star emphasizes the theme of divine guidance. Their obedience to God’s leading, even from distant lands, encourages believers to seek and follow God’s will in their own lives.
- Manifestation of God’s Glory: The Epiphany also celebrates the broader theme of God’s glory being revealed to the world. This encompasses not just the visit of the Magi but also, in some traditions, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, where God the Father proclaims him as his beloved Son, and the miracle at the wedding feast in Cana, where Jesus first reveals his divine power.
- The Epiphany is a reminder of the divine revelation of Jesus as the Messiah and the Light of the World. It invites Christians to reflect on the inclusivity of Christ’s message and the call to bring the light of Christ to all corners of the earth. It also underscores the importance of seeking and recognizing God’s presence in the world, just as the Magi did when they followed the star to Bethlehem.
History of The Epiphany
The Epiphany originated in the Eastern Christian tradition in the 3rd century. Initially, it was a broader celebration encompassing not only the visit of the Magi but also Jesus’ baptism and the miracle at the wedding feast of Cana.
By the 4th century, the Western Church began to adopt the feast, focusing primarily on the visit of the Magi, while Jesus’ baptism was celebrated separately on January 13th.
The Epiphany in the Eastern Orthodox Church is also known as Theophany, highlighting Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. The Great Blessing of the Waters, a tradition where bodies of water are blessed, became an integral part of the celebration, symbolizing the sanctification of creation through Christ.
In Western Christianity, the emphasis on the Magi, or Three Kings, led to various cultural traditions. By the Middle Ages, the feast had evolved to include pageants and plays depicting the journey of the Wise Men and their adoration of the Christ Child.
During the medieval period, Epiphany became associated with royal feasts and giving gifts, reflecting the Magi’s offerings to Jesus. This tradition persisted into the Renaissance, with elaborate celebrations and baking special cakes, such as the Galette des Rois in France and the Rosca de Reyes in Spain. The tradition of the Epiphany Proclamation, announcing the dates of the movable feasts for the year, also emerged during this period, reinforcing the liturgical importance of the feast.
Today, Epiphany is celebrated worldwide with diverse customs. In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is known as Three Kings’ Day and features parades, gift-giving, and special foods. The Great Blessing of the Waters remains a central ritual in Eastern Orthodox communities, often accompanied by outdoor processions and cross-diving ceremonies.
The Journey of the Magi
The Magi: known as the Wise Men or the Three Kings, were learned men from the East. They were likely scholars or priests well-versed in astronomy and astrology from regions such as Persia (modern-day Iran), Babylon (modern-day Iraq), or Arabia.
The Star of Bethlehem: The journey began when the Magi observed a unique and bright star in the sky. They interpreted this celestial event as the sign of the birth of a significant king, specifically the “king of the Jews.” This star, often called the Star of Bethlehem, guided them westward towards Jerusalem.
The Journey to Jerusalem: Following the star, the Magi embarked on a long and arduous journey. The exact distance and time taken are not specified in the Gospel of Matthew, but such a journey would have been lengthy and challenging, likely taking several months.
Encounter with King Herod: Upon reaching Jerusalem, the Magi visited King Herod, inquiring about the newborn king’s whereabouts. This news troubled Herod, who saw the potential threat to his throne. Herod consulted his priests and scribes, who cited the prophecy from Micah that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Herod then directed the Magi to Bethlehem, deceitfully asking them to report back so he, too, could “worship” the child.
Finding Jesus: Guided once again by the star, the Magi continued to Bethlehem. The star stopped over the place where Jesus was. Unlike the traditional nativity scenes, the Gospel suggests that the Magi found Jesus in a house, as by this time, Mary and Joseph might have found more stable accommodation.
Gifts, Worship, and Departure: The Magi presented Jesus with the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh and then worshipped him, recognizing Jesus’ significance and divine nature. After their visit, the Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Obeying the divine warning, they returned to their country by a different route, avoiding further contact with Herod and thus protecting the Holy Family.
Epiphany Morning Prayer
Father, you revealed your Son
to the nations by the guidance of a star.
Lead us to your glory in heaven
by the light of faith.
We ask this through
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever. Amen
—The Liturgy of the Hours
The Epiphany © Copyright 2024 by All Saints Press.
(800) 923-8618 and AllSaintsPress.com.
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