Epiphany – A reflection

Epiphany

6th January every year is celebrated as the revelation, or Epiphany, of Jesus to the world.

The traditions of Epiphany are based on a few verses in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2. 1 – 12). Three wise men, or kings, led by a star travel from a far country to Bethlehem and discover a king as predicted in the ancient writings. They present gifts to the baby king: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Where they came from, how they travelled (no camels are mentioned), how many of them arrived (no number is given) and when they arrived are details not specifically mentioned in the Gospel verses but their visit is important. They represent all people. Jesus is revealed as coming not just to his own home country and people but to all the world.

And the gifts have special meaning, telling us some significant truths about Jesus.

Solemn things of mystic meaning: 
Incense doth the God disclose, 
Gold a royal child proclaimeth, 
Myrrh a future tomb foreshows. 

(from the Latin – Prudentius, 348 – 410; New English Hymnal 48)