Today’s Feast of the Epiphany is, liturgically speaking, the brightest feast of the entire Christmas Season, outshining Christmas Day itself!
Traditionally, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, the Twelfth Day of Christmas. It still is in many cultures. In those countries, Epiphany is a holiday and the day on which gifts are exchanged in honor of the gifts of the magi. Since Epiphany is not a holiday in the United States, the celebration of the feast has been transferred to Sunday so that the entire community can gather to celebrate it and honor its importance.
The star which guided the magi is a reminder of Christ, the light of the world. The light that Jesus brings into the world cannot be extinguished by the darkness of the world. In the story of the magi, Herod is a symbol of darkness. He is not able to kill the Christ child. The magi, who were foreigners and Gentiles and who came from a distant land, are a reminder that Jesus came as the light for all people everywhere. He is the Lord of people of every race, language, and way of life!
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is born in Joseph and Mary’s home in Bethlehem. It is to their home that the magi travel and because of this that it is a custom in many cultures to bless homes on Epiphany. We encourage you to gather your family together for a house blessing. Pray that God will look over your family throughout the year and that all who come to your home may know true Christian hospitality!
Merry Christmas,
Fr.Ron