Recalling a Very Special Visit…
These three Wise Men with their camels will always be beloved Christmas decorations at our house. My mother made the figurines many years ago in a ceramics class. They are a sweet reminder of Mom and an important reminder of the significance of the visit of the Magi who traveled far to worship the infant Jesus. (Story of Magi’s visit found in Matthew 2:1-12)
Today, January 6, is a Christian holiday known as Epiphany. In the Western church, it commemorates the visit of the Magi, who followed a bright star to the home of the infant Jesus. Magi, also known as “kings” or “wise men,” were priests from Persia.
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star[i]
The evening preceding Epiphany is known as Twelfth Night, which is where the Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas (December 25-January 6) originates (You know, the song that sticks in one’s brain!).
The magi’s long travel was to worship the king. Epiphany commemorates the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles.
Born a king on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
I love information and find learning more about the stories and traditions of Christianity to be fascinating.
My faith tradition—for which I am very grateful—was non-liturgical. Since beginning training in spiritual direction, I’ve been introduced to many Christian liturgical practices, saints, and different spiritual disciplines, some of which are ancient. The studies have increased my knowledge, but more importantly, they have:
intensified my personal devotion,
deepened my appreciation of Scripture and Christianity,
intensified my love for people from a variety of Christian faith traditions, and
created desire for a more authentic, intimate, and loving relationship with God and other believers.
In the Roman Catholic tradition, Epiphany is a time to bless a home, which is a practice I find lovely. While researching for today’s post, I read many house-blessing prayers, but this was my favorite, and I conclude with it today:
Bless all who live or visit [our home] with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever.[ii]
May you, your home and all you love be blessed this Epiphany,
[1] We Three Kings, a Christmas hymn, copyright public domain
[1]http://justdisciple.com prayer-bless-house