Also known as Theophany in Eastern Christianity, this season commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. The term Epiphany comes from the Koine Greek word epipháneia, which means "appearance" or "manifestation", a word historically used to describe the visible revelation of the divine to human beings. Early Christians adopted this term to signify the moment in which the infant Jesus was manifested to the three Magi, signifying knowledge of Christianity beyond the people of Israel.

 

Central to the narrative of the Epiphany story is the star, a celestial sign interpreted by the three Magi as heralding the birth of the Saviour and King. Some early theologians believed that this star was actually an angel – probably Gabriel the Archangel, who was also known to have delivered the message of the Anunciation (that Mary would conceive of a child as a virgin), and also for delivering this message of Christ’s birth to the shepherd!

 

There have been many scientific studies which seeks to examine such extraordinary astronomical phenomenon around the time of Jesus. There is an astrological phenomenon called the “Christmas Star” which occurred on the 21st of December 7BCE. During this event, the planets Jupiter and Saturn appeared so closely together in the sky that it appeared to be one bright shining star! Studies say that this phenomenon is extremely rare, that some believe it to have been the “star” that guided the three Magi.

 

Traditionally, Epiphany would be celebrated on the 6th of January, or twelve days after Christmas (25th of December). Traditionally during this season, priests will bless Epiphany water, frankincense, gold, and chalk. The blessed chalk is ritually used to write the initials of the three Magi (C + M + B) over the doors of churches and homes. The initials may also be interpreted as the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat (may Christ bless the house). Epiphany Water is also blessed during this season using exorcised salts and specific prayers for extra protection against evil.

 

The Narrative of the Epiphany tells a story of the three Magi named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, who were from distant lands east of Judea. The Magi were intellectual scholars, possessing great knowledge and wisdom of astrology, divination and magic. One night, they observed the star that fulfills the prophecy of the Saviour’s birth and then embarked on a long journey that brought them first to Jerusalem. At the time, Jerusalem was under the tyrant rule of King Herod. When the Magi asked King Herod where to find the prophesized “newborn King of the Jews”, King Herod felt threatened that the presence of this newborn King would challenge his authority. However, King Herod decided to instruct the Magi to search for the whereabouts of the newborn and bring them back to Jerusalem (so that the newborn could be executed).

 

Following King Herod’s directions, and guided once more by the star, the Magi continued their journey towards Bethlehem. Beneath the celestial star in a stable, they found the Child Jesus with His mother. In profound reverence, the Magi bowed before the Jesus and offered their homage. They presented Him with gold symbolizing His kingship, frankincense signifying His divinity, and myrrh prefiguring His humanity and the sacrifice He would one day endure. That same night, the three Magi had an angel visit them in their dreams, warning them not to return to Jerusalem. From this, the Magi, and the Holy Family embarked on their journey to other lands.