06/01/2024

Epiphany

According to written 4th century evidence, this feast of Jesus Christ’s revelation  - epiphany in Greek  - emerged and evolved.

Originally it included the birth, baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast of  Cana with its conversion of water into wine. All these revealed Jesus and his identity.

The first 'official' recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336. Twelve days later – it was assumed that the three wise men took twelve days to arrive – The Church started to celebrate no longer the birth but the revelation of Jesus to Gentiles – represented by the Three Wise men, known as Kings in the carol - as well as the Jews at The Baptism of Jesus and his first sign - or miracle – at the wedding feast at Cana. He was the Son of God and he had miraculous powers. He was God.

If you give yourself time to read the gospels and imagine yourself being there, the personality and character of Jesus will become more clearly – and deeply – revealed to you.

Traditionally, for our western Church, epiphany ends the Christmas period and decorations should be taken down. However, increasingly, parishes follow the Eastern church tradition and keep them  up until 2nd February, Candlemas, the presentation -  40 days after birth – of  the child in The Temple.

The Law of Moses required first-born sons to be dedicated to the Lord, so Mary and Joseph dutifully brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for his dedication and circumcision (Luke 2:22-38). 

This feast is also  known as Candlemas. Because centuries ago, the feast was accompanied by a candlelight procession and a blessing of beeswax candles from the home.

Why not make every day – throughout the year - an epiphany as, on the one hand, you get to know Jesus better, and on the other, you reveal his presence through the way you live your life that day.