I remember singing the song and leading others in the song and all of the fun verses. Today’s solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is the celebration of the child born in the darkness of night in a lowly manger revealed as the epiphany or the manifestation of God to the entire world. Christ is revealed in many ways: as Lord, as King, as the one in whom God is present and acts. All of these manifestations are “lights” that shine on Christ, revealing a deeper under- standing of who He is. Announcing on Epiphany the moveable feasts for the coming year is an ancient liturgical custom. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent on March 6, and Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, April 14. Easter Sunday is April 21, and Pentecost is June 9.
Another popular tradition is to bless homes and inscribe the numerals of the New Year over the main door of one’s home using white chalk. The numerals are separated by the letters CMB which represent the legendary names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. This act symbolizes the hospitality offered to guests.
Finally, we would all know the three gifts the magi presented to the newborn Messiah as gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gifts acknowledge the infants regal stature, and hint at the anointing that will await him in death. This story and feast underscores the universality of the messiah, who has come for all nations and to redeem all peoples. In this New Year, the light of Christ will be surrounding us at all time. In the lights of the eyes of children and of the poor; in the acts of kindness and charity that others share with us and in our own stewardship. The light of Christ needs to also be assisted by us so that the darkness of sin and the temptations of the flesh and the lure of worldly goods and power to not dim its brightness. How will you be the light of Christ to others in 2019?
God bless,
Fr. Jerry