Liturgy Lesson for Epiphany: The Twelfth Day of Christmas

January 9, 2011

We’re in the ancient Feast of the Epiphany, meaning “manifestation” or “showing forth,” and are following specific devotions for the octave, or eight days, of the Festival, which celebrates the day the Lord first revealed Himself to the Gentiles, in the persons of the Magi (Wise Men) from the East, who traveled to Bethlehem to see Him following His birth. This “showing forth” meant non-Jews could now share in the Gospel and privilege of membership in God’s family. The Magi presented Him gifts—gold, recognizing His royalty; frankincense, recognizing His divinity; and myrrh, an embalming spice, prophesying His death as mankind’s Sacrifice. Originally called the “Epiphanies,” in ancient times it also commemorated the finding of the Boy Christ in the Temple, His Baptism, and First Miracle. We sustain this ancient remembrance in the Gospels we read on the Sundays to follow. Epiphany begins on January 6th—12 days after Christmas—and extends to Septuagesima Sunday, the third Sunday before Lent.

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons