We Three Kings

Who were the Three Wise Men? The Pope Explains

Epiphany

Today is Epiphany:

… or Theophany, meaning “vision of God”, which falls on January 6, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God.

Eastern Churches following the Julian Calendar observe the Theophany feast on January 19[4] because of the 13-day difference today between that calendar and the generally used Gregorian calendar. For Roman Catholics in many countries, the feast is celebrated on the Sunday that falls between January 2 and January 8…

The Church in Jerusalem Epiphany Prayer:

O God Who by a star guided the wise men to the worship of your Son we pray you to lead to yourself the wise and great of every land that unto you every knee may bow, and every thought be brought into captivity Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Epiphany Hymn of St. Ambrose:

Most High God! Thou that enkindlest the fires of the shining stars! O Jesus! Thou that art peace and life and light and truth, hear and grant our prayers.

This present day has been made holy by thy mystic baptism, whereby thou didst sanctify those waters of the Jordan, which of old were thrice turned back.

It is holy by the star shining in the heavens, whereby thou didst announce thy Virginal Mother’s delivery and didst, on the same day, lead the Magi to adore thee in thy crib.

It is holy too, by thy changing the water of the pitchers into wine; which the steward of the feast, knowing that he had not so filled them, drew forth for the guests.

Glory be to thee, O Lord Jesus, that didst appear on this Day! And to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, for everlasting ages.

Amen.