This Weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, it was commonly believed that a new star would appear whenever a new ruler was born. The Father in Heaven used this belief to honor His Son, the new King. When three astrologers from the East, the Magi, saw this “new star,” they chose to follow it to discover the new King. Pointing the way, in the form of a star, was creation itself.

The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation,” inviting us to look at how Christ is manifest in our own hearts.

First, when the Magi saw a sign from the heavens that pointed to a new King, they stopped everything and departed in haste to find Him. When God speaks to you and manifests Himself to you in some way, nothing could be more important than to be attentive to His voice and follow Him with the same haste.

The Magi brought the Christ Child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold symbolized kingship. When we ponder the gift of gold given to the Christ Child, we are inspired to give Him our own symbolic gold by prayerfully acknowledging Him as our King to whom we pledge complete submission.

Used in worship to symbolize prayers rising to heaven, frankincense symbolizes the Christ Child’s divinity. We offer frankincense to Christ when we acknowledge His divine nature. Often used in burial, myrrh honors the Christ Child Who came to give His life as a sacrifice for many. We offer myrrh to profess our belief in the saving power of Christ’s death on the Cross and our need for that gift of salvation.



As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany, see it as a historical event in which you are invited to share. God wants to manifest Himself to you today. When this happens, respond with faith and worship, giving God the greatest glory by giving Him your very life and offering Him your spiritual gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Most glorious Christ Child, please manifest Yourself within my soul where You wish to be born. May I follow the example of the Magi, offering You my own gifts in adoration and trust. Jesus, I trust in You