Feast of the Epiphany - 2024

When we speak of the coming of Christ we think of Christmas. However, in a wider sense we can say there are Three Comings of Christ. The 1st being His Incarnation, His 2nd is the Day of Judgement and His 3rd is present, each time a person is baptised into the life of Christ. As it was for Christmas, we commonly think of the Epiphany as that one event in Christ's life where the Magi, led by a star, make their way to see him and offer him gifts fitting a new king. However, the Catholic liturgy considers the Epiphany to be threefold also, the visit by the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus by John, and the Miracle of the Wine at the Wedding in Cana.  The Greek word, "epiphaneia", was used to signify the coming of a king or emperor. It was also used for the self-manifestation of a god or for his miraculous intervention; this latter, likely the original use of the word. A popular use of the word “epiphany” today means a sudden discovery, something finally seen and recognized, the beginning of understanding; we say, “ah, now I see, now I understand!” "I just had an epiphany". (The word "insight" comes to mind here.) Many people these days have abandoned the practice of belonging to a church. They say they are spiritual but not religious and do not need the structures of church membership to be a good person. It is true that everyone is spiritual for that is how God created us, a physical being with a spiritual soul. However to simply claim to be spiritual is to leave out one important thing - it is religious practice that connects our spirit to the heavenly where God is revealing himself to the people of this world; it's the Spirit who empowers the believer to see rightly so that he can bear fruit in the world by the true practice of the faith. The people at the time of the first Epiphany were religious people seeking a true spiritual life. But they were having difficulties with which religious practice was the correct way? Who best to sort out these complicated question than God Himself. The Epiphany is God becoming visible and personally present to this world. Jesus is God making himself present and demonstrating that imitating him is the way of true religion. ( ... now I see, now I get it. ) Do you get it? Do you understand? How is your "epiphany experience" unfolding? Here is where true spirituality enters the discussion - true spirituality happens when we become seekers, searching for Him the One who  tells us in person who he is. We are today's Magi-seekers and our gifts to offer are our open hearts and minds in search of "insight" and understanding. We are people with a dynamic spiritual/religious practice seeking a personal encounter with Jesus. Just as true spirituality does not make up who God is, rather it discovers who God really is, likewise true religion does not make up how God is to be served, God himself has come to show us how he wants us to worship and serve him. So we need to belong to the Church that Jesus established as his way of gathering us around himself for instruction.

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The Epiphany Times Three - 2023

During the Advent / Christmas cycle of the year 2021, in this blog we reflected on the Three Comings of Christ. The 1st being His Incarnation, His 2nd is the Day of Judgement and His 3rd is now, each time a person is baptised into the life of Christ. Now let us look at these Three Epiphany's of Christ. We commonly think of the Epiphany as that one event in Christ's life where the Magi, led by a star, make their way to see him and offer him gifts fitting a new king. However, the Catholic liturgy considers the Epiphany to be threefold, the visit by the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus by John, and the Miracle of the Wine at the Wedding in Cana. The Greek word, "epiphaneia", was used to signify the coming of a king or emperor. It was also used for the self-manifestation of a god or for his miraculous intervention; this later, likely the original use of the word. A popular use of the word “epiphany” today means a sudden discovery, something finally seen and recognized, the beginning of understanding; we say, “ah, now I see, now I understand!” "I just had an epiphany". The word "insight" comes to mind here. Let us stay with this notion for now. Many people these days have abandoned the practice of belonging to a church. They say they are spiritual but not religious and do not need the structures of church membership to be a good person. It is true that everyone is spiritual for that is how God created us, a physical being with a spiritual soul. However to simply claim to be spiritual is to leave out one important thing - it is religious practice that connects spirit to the physical, so that it can bear fruit in the world. An apple tree without branches is just a stump. The people at the time of the Epiphany were both spiritual and religious. Where they were having difficulties was with which religion, which religious practice? Who best to sort out this complicated question than God Himself. The Epiphany is God showing in himself as the true religious way for all to see. ( ... now I see, now I get it, so this is the truly spiritual manifest in the truly religious practice. And oh what confusion we people are capable of creating. So the work that began with these three Epiphany's continues to unfold even as we speak.  Do you get it? Do you understand? How is your "epiphany experience" unfolding? Here is where true spirituality enters the discussion - true spirituality happens when we become seekers, searching for Him the One who will tell us in person who he is. As seekers our gifts to offer are open hearts and minds in search of "insight" and understanding - people with a dynamic spiritual/religious practice seeking a personal encounter with Jesus. Just as true spirituality does not tell God who he is, likewise true religion does not make up how God is to be served, God himself has come to show us how he wants us to worship and serve him. So we need to belong to the Church that Jesus established as his way of gathering us around himself for instruction.

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The Three Epiphany's - 2022

During the Advent / Christmas cycle we reflected on the Three Comings of Christ. Now let us look at the Three Epiphany's of Christ. We commonly think of the Epiphany as that one event in Christ's life where the Magi, led by a star, make their way to see him and offer him gifts fitting a new king. However, the Catholic liturgy considers the Epiphany to be threefold, the visit by the Magi, the Baptism of Jesus by John, and the Miracle of the Wine at the Wedding in Cana. The Greek word, "epiphaneia", was used to signify the coming of a king or emperor. It was also used for the self-manifestation of a god or for his miraculous intervention; this later, likely the original use of the word. A popular use of the word “epiphany” today means a sudden discovery, something finally seen and recognized, the beginning of understanding; we say, “ah, now I see, now I understand!” "I just had an epiphany". The word "insight" comes to mind here. Let us stay with this notion for now. Many people these days have abandoned the practice of belonging to a church. They say they are spiritual but not religious and do not need the structures of church membership to be a good person. It is true that everyone is spiritual for that is how God created us, a physical being with a spiritual soul. However to simply claim to be spiritual is to leave out one important thing - God. The people at the time of the Epiphany were both spiritual and religious. Where they were having difficulties was with which religion, which God? Who best to sort out this complicated question than God Himself. The Epiphany is God revealing himself for all to see. ( ... now I see, now I get it, so this is who God is, the One come into our world to clear up our confusion.) And O what confusion we people are capable of creating. So the work begun with these three Epiphany's continues to unfold even as we speak.  Do you get it? Do you understand? How is your "epiphany experience" unfolding? Here is where true spirituality enters the discussion - true spirituality happens when we become seekers, searching for Him the One who will tell us in person who he is. As seekers our gifts to offer are open hearts and minds in search of "insight" and understanding - people with a dynamic spiritual practice seeking a personal encounter with Jesus. Just as true spirituality does not tell God who he is, likewise true religion does not make up how God is to be served, God himself has come to show us how he wants us to worship and serve him. So we need to belong to the Church that Jesus established as his way of gathering us around himself for instruction.

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Epiphany 2021

We commonly think of the Epiphany as that one event in Christ's life where the Magi, led by a star, make their way to see him and offer him gifts fitting a new king. However, the Catholic liturgy considers the Epiphany to be threefold, the visit by the Magi, the baptism of Jesus by John, and the miracle of the wine at the wedding feast of Cana. The Greek word, "epiphaneia", was used to signify the coming of a king or emperor. It was also used for the self-manifestation of a god or for his miraculous intervention; this later, likely the original use of the word.  St. Paul used the word "epiphany" three times; first in reference to Jesus first coming.          He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance (epiphaneias) of our Savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  2 Tim. 1:9-10 The other two uses refer to Jesus second coming; (Titus 2:13) and (2 Thess. 2:8) For this blog I thought it appropriate not only to behold these wondrous appearances but also to listen to the voices of those who were the first to see. THE MAGI          "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." Prayer: O Lord, where in my heart is such wonder and awe, such hunger to find you, that I might surrender my whole heart to your kingship? My eyes are no longer fixed heaven ward, but rather on the empty and passing things that surround me, like dark clouds covering my view of the stars. Let the brilliance of your true presence break through my darkness and lead me once again in search of you. Jesus Baptism by John          "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Prayer: O Lord, is there a day, soon to come, when a new fire will burn in my heart. Has my baptism become but a single ember, barely glowing? Fan into flame once again, that fire of faith I was given. Baptize me anew in your Holy Spirit, and awaken in me the fire of your Love. Let me hear once again, in my heart, your voice speaking to me, "You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased." CANA          Mary said, "They have no wine." ... "Do whatever he tells you." Prayer: Mary, these words you speak are now about me. The wine of my faith and the wine of my hope and the wine of my love have surely run out. I am but a clay pot, idle and empty. Where would I be now, if your motherly love for me was not speaking to me these words of wisdom. I will do what your Son now tells me. I will take the water of my humble prayers, the water of my study of his word, the water of my examination of mind and heart to fill my idleness and emptiness, while I await his transforming grace of renewal.

Epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ - 2020

I always enjoyed watching the little children visiting the Nativity scene in the church each Christmas. Their attention to the details and their innocent commentary on what they were seeing was both delightful and interesting. Yet do we not remember this verse in Luke’s gospel: At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Lk 10:21 The word “epiphany”, means a manifestation, a showing forth, something seen and recognized, the beginning of understanding; we say, “ah, now I see, now I understand!” And what is being made manifest here is nothing less than God, our God made visible. Recall Jesus’ words to Philip: “… anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jo.14:9. In John’s gospel, we are actually given three epiphanies, three manifestations to ponder. The first epiphany is the birth of Jesus, with the three Wise men representing all nations and peoples coming to see. The second, the proclamation from heaven at Jesus' baptism by John. The third manifestation seen in the first miracle of Jesus, the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana. The church takes us back to these first three epiphanies to get us started in a new year of grace. But now it is for us to have our own epiphanies. This starts when we start, when we too go in search of Him. That “searching is non-other than our personal prayer life. Without this practice of prayer, we will remain in the dark, simply guessing about God. Recall again Jesus’ words to Philip: “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Lk 10:22 The Christmas season in the Church is not simply meant to be a sentimental trip down memory lane. It is a serious time, of highest importance. It is a new gift of the Lord’s presence – “really” a new gift of time and opportunity to become evermore attached to Jesus, to deepen our spiritual life. The Christmas lights will soon be turned off. The real question put before us today, as this age we are living in seems more and more to be turning off the light faith what about us – will the light of faith in ours lives shine ever brighter?

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Epiphany - 2019

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Magi - Searching For Jesus Today

There is an expression often heard today: “Wise Men still seek him.” Today’s feast of the Epiphany (manifestation) comes to us from Matthew’s gospel. These key figures, “the Wise Men”, (their number not mentioned) are believed to be practitioners and thinkers of an Eastern religion which employed astrology as part of its belief system. They were also familiar with he Jewish prophetic tradition, specifically that prophecy that predicted that a great king would rise up in Israel. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from old, from ancient days.”  (Micah 5:2) An astrological configuration appeared in the heavens which they interpreted to be a sign that it was about to happen. So, they set out in search of this great king who is the fulfillment of this prophesy. Only Matthew includes these events in his gospel account. Over the years, many things have been added to Matthew’s story; things which are meant to enrich the story we have today. I believe the term “Wise”, has a lot of meaning for our present age. It suggests to us what our generation is missing, and what it needs to search for – Wisdom. I recently heard an interview with an astrophysicist who was reinforcing the importance to this branch of science; how it will help us to one day understand who we are, where we came from, why we are here. Let us hope that this generation will ultimately discover Him, whom the Wise Men discovered, and find the answers they are seeking. On the side panel, listed as [ Labels - Links to These Subjects ] you will find a handy link to previous post on the subject of the Epiphany.

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Epiphany

I always enjoyed watching the little children visiting the Nativity scene in the church each Christmas. Their attention to the details and their innocent commentary on what they were seeing was both delightful and interesting. Yet do we not remember this verse in Luke’s gospel: At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Lk 10:21 The word “epiphany”, means a manifestation, a showing forth, something seen and recognized, the beginning of understanding; we say, “ah, now I see, now I understand!” And what is being made manifest here is nothing less than God, our God made visible. Recall Jesus’ words to Philip: “… anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Jo.14:9. In John’s gospel, we are actually given three epiphanies, three manifestations to ponder. The first epiphany is the birth of Jesus, with the three Wise men representing all nations and peoples coming to see. The second, the proclamation from heaven at Jesus baptism by John. The third manifestation seen is the first miracle of Jesus, the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana. The church takes us back to these first three epiphanies to get us started in a new year of grace. But now it is for us to have our own epiphanies. This starts when we start, when we too go in search of him. This “searching is non-other than our personal prayer life. Without this practice of prayer, we will remain in the dark; simply guessing about God. Recall again Jesus’ words to Philip:  “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Lk 10:22 The Christmas season in the Church is not simple meant to be a sentimental trip down memory lane. It is a serious time, of highest importance. It is a new gift of the Lord’s presence, a new gift of time and opportunity to become ever more attached to Jesus, to join with those who follow, and prepare for what the future holds for us.  *.*.*.*.* You may also wish to go to the side panel, to "Labels" and klick on "Epiphany" to look at past Posts on the Epiphany.

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Epiphany

Reading 1, Is 60:1-6

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come,

the glory of the Lord shines upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth,

and thick clouds cover the peoples;

but upon you the LORD shines,

and over you appears his glory.

Nations shall walk by your light,

and kings by your shining radiance.

Raise your eyes and look about;

they all gather and come to you:

your sons come from afar,

and your daughters in the arms of their nurses.

Then you shall be radiant at what you see,

your heart shall throb and overflow,

for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,

the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.

Caravans of camels shall fill you,

dromedaries from Midian and Ephah;

all from Sheba shall come

bearing gold and frankincense,

and proclaiming the praises of the LORD

Gospel, Mt 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,

in the days of King Herod,

behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?

We saw his star at its rising

and have come to do him homage.”

After their audience with the king they set out.

And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,

until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

They were overjoyed at seeing the star,

and on entering the house

they saw the child with Mary his mother.

They prostrated themselves and did him homage.

Then they opened their treasures

and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,

they departed for their country by another way.

Reflection

In the liturgy, the purpose of the feasts surrounding Christmas is not to focus on the details of the stories from the life of Jesus, but to highlight his incarnation and manifestation. The folklore surrounding the creche since the time of St Francis, the medieval Christmas legends, and the excessive curiosity about the details of Christ's life have contributed to a loss of the vision of the overall mystery of Christmas and the Epiphany. A proper understand these mysteries, depends on an understanding of the paschal mystery which begins with the incarnation as the first stage in the work of salvation.

Christmas and the Epiphany are the first stages in God's plan for our salvation. First God comes to us, taking on our human condition, in the person of his Son Jesus, then we are transformed and taken up into the divine nature through the cross and resurrection of Jesus.

In the opening prayer for the third Christmas liturgy we pray:

O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature
and still more wonderfully restored it,
grant, we pray,
that we may share in the divinity of Christ,
who humbled himself to share in our humanity.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

St. Matthew receiving the story of salvation

One of the prefaces of an early Christmas liturgy proclaims 

From the old man a new man arises, and from mortality, immortality, as the human condition is healed with a remedy wrought from that same human condition; and from a race subject to sin a child innocent of all sin is born.

Christmas time is full of many distraction which cause us to loose our attention on its real meaning. 
Boxing Day often announces that Christmas is over. Discarded Christmas trees begin appearing at the curb side. Perhaps this is good, for now we will have time to really grasp the true revelation of Christmas and the Epiphany. Our decorations may return to the closet, but our imagination is just beginning to be filled with a wonderful new vision for our lives to come.

New and wonderful gifts are now laid at your feet this day. What will be your strategy for discovering them and unwrapping them?

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From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope

The Lord has made his salvation known to the whole world

The loving providence of God determined that in the last days he would aid the world, set on its course to destruction. He decreed that all nations should be saved in Christ.

A promise had been made to the holy patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. His descendants are therefore compared with the array of the stars. The father of all nations was to hope not in an earthly progeny but in a progeny from above.

Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs. Let the children of the promise now receive the blessing in the seed of Abraham, the blessing renounced by the children of his flesh. In the persons of the Magi let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not in Judea only, but in the whole world, so that his name may be great in all Israel.

Dear friends, now that we have received instruction in this revelation of God’s grace, let us celebrate with spiritual joy the day of our first harvesting, of the first calling of the Gentiles. Let us give thanks to the merciful God, who has made us worthy, in the words of the Apostle, to share the position of the saints in light; who has rescued us from the power of darkness, and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. As Isaiah prophesied: the people of the Gentiles, who sat in darkness, have seen a great light, and for those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death a light has dawned. He spoke of them to the Lord: The Gentiles, who do not know you, will invoke you, and the peoples, who knew you not, will take refuge in you.

This is the day that Abraham saw, and rejoiced to see, when he knew that the sons born of his faith would be blessed in his seed, that is, in Christ. Believing that he would be the father of the nations, he looked into the future, giving glory to God, in full awareness that God is able to do what he has promised.

This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognize and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ.

Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.

Epiphany

Feast of the Epiphany

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.”

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

The three gifts of the Magi are reflective of the threefold ministry carried out by Jesus: 

Kingly Shepherd <> True High Priest <> Prophet of God

Gold	Gold is that gift fit for a king. All authority has been given to Jesus by the Father. But Jesus does not exercise this authority as those who lord over their subjects with a heavy hand. Rather, he cares for his own, like a shepherd, leading them to life giving places where they can prosper and grow.
Frankincense	Incense is used by the High Priest in the sacrificial offerings made on the altar. Each sacrifice offered is a sign of the peoples total and unconditional consent to God's divine plan. The fragrance of the incense, filling the altar, confirms the integrity of heart with which Jesus offered his "yes" to the Father.
Myrrh	The role of the prophet is to be the voice of God speaking to all peoples, revealing God's plan for all creation and man's true purpose and destiny. But every prophet who speaks the truth, must face the wrath of the enemies of truth. The gift of myrrh, which is used to anoint the body for burial, foretells Jesus battle to the death with the prince of all evil and Jesus' ultimate victory over sin and death by his resurrection and ascension to the Father's right hand.  ............................................................................................

We now have a picture of the three key elements that make up the Christian life, namely: 

WORD <> WORSHIP <> SERVICE

We will see in the threefold temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, Satan attacking Jesus in each of these, in order to deceive Jesus and cause his downfall. It will be our experience that we too must undergo the same threefold testing.

For more on the threefold structure of the Christian life go to the page: Praying On A Passage of Scripture

The Three Epiphanys

We commonly think of the Epiphany as that one event in Christ's life where the Magi, led by a star, make their way to see him and offer him gifts fitting a new king. However, the Catholic liturgy considers the Epiphany to be threefold; the visit by the Magi, the baptism of Jesus by John, and the miracle of the wine at the wedding feast of Cana. The Greek word, epiphaneia, was used to signify the coming of a king or emperor. It was also used for the self-manifestation of a god or for his miraculous intervention; this later, likely the original use of the word. 

St. Paul used the word "epiphany" three times; first in reference to Jesus first coming; 

• He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance (epiphaneias) of our Savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.         2 Tim. 1:9-10

The other two uses refer to Jesus second coming; (Titus 2:13) and (2 Thess. 2:8)

For this blog I thought it appropriate not only to behold these wondrous appearances but also to listen to the voices of those who were the first to see.

THE MAGI

• "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."

Prayer: O Lord, where in my heart is such wonder and awe, such hunger to find you, that I might surrender my whole heart to your kingship? My eyes are no longer fixed heaven ward, but rather on the empty and passing things that surround me, like dark clouds covering my view of the stars. Let the brilliance of your true presence break through my darkness and lead me once again in search of you.

Jesus Baptism by John

• "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Prayer: O Lord, is there a day, soon to come, when a new fire will burn in my heart. Has my baptism become but a single ember, barely glowing? Fan into flame once again, that fire of faith I was given. Baptize me anew in your Holy Spirit, and awaken in me the fire of your Love. Let me hear once again, in my heart, your voice speaking to me, "You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased."

CANA

• Mary said, "They have no wine." ... "Do whatever he tells you."

Prayer: Mary, these words you speak are now about me. The wine of my faith and the wine of my hope and the wine of my love have surely run out. I am but a clay pot, idle and empty. Where would I be now, if your motherly love for me was not speaking to me these words of wisdom. I will do what your Son now tells me. I will take the water of my humble prayers, the water of my study of his word, the water of my examination of mind and heart to fill my idleness and emptiness, while I await his transforming grace of renewal.   

Epiphany of our Champion

Because Christmas has become part of today's popular culture, the way we see the events that make up the Christmas revelation, may be diminished by thinking of them as myth, or simply sentimental stories. The opposite is the reality. Since the day man was expelled from Eden, and the Prince of Darkness enter to rule the earth, a plan was set in place to defeat the darkness, and restore man once again to God's grace. The image of the light, emanating from the star over Bethlehem, is the sign that the days of the rule of darkness are numbered.

Some may easily fail to see, in the helpless babe in Mary's arms, the champion of God, sent to do battle with the darkness, and defeat it, but the slaughter of the Holy Innocence, clearly demonstrates that darkness did recognise him and tried to destroy him.   

The liturgy for the feast of the Epiphany, opens with these words. "Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion." Malachi 3:1 & 1 Chronicles 29:12. The prophets of old, knew well, and foretold of this impending battle with God's enemies.

By connecting the cradle of Bethlehem to the Cross of Calvary, we are able to grasp the importance of the Christmas stories. The true joy, that is the grace of Christmas, comes from knowing our Champion reigns, he is here with us in our daily battles with the darkness. Our God has triumphed and so shall we. 

The liturgy of the Epiphany ends with this solemn blessing;

• May God, who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, pour out in kindness his blessing upon you and make your hearts firm in faith, hope and charity. Amen
• And since in all confidence you follow Christ, who today appeared in the world as a light shinning in darkness, may God make you, too, a light for your brothers and sisters. Amen.
• And so when your pilgrimage is ended, may you come to him whom the Magi sought as they followed the star and whom they found with great joy, the Light from Light, who is Christ the Lord. Amen