Today’s magnificent Feast of the Epiphany is even more ancient than the celebration of Christmas itself and dates back to the 2^nd century. Epiphany means “manifestation” or “revealing,” and it originally commemorated Christ’s revelation to the world, which included several events: His birth, the visit of the Magi, His Baptism in the Jordan and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana. By the 4^th century in the Western Church, it became focused on the visit of the Magi or Wise Men, and 25^th December was established for the separate celebration of Christmas by Pope Julius I (ca 280-352) in the 4^th century.

So what is the meaning of this Feast for us today? In the Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12) we hear how the Magi followed a mysterious star to the birthplace of JESUS. They came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, symbolizing Our Lord’s Kingship, His Divinity and His sacrifice. But the most important thing being revealed is Christ as the true Light of the world, and the Light Who enlightens all mankind. This truth must be preached from the roof tops, because it is only by Him and through Him mankind can see and know the truth.

In the world today, we are surrounded by much darkness: moral darkness, spiritual darkness and intellectual darkness. But it is in the midst of this darkness that the Light of Christ shines the brightest. The truth today can be so easily obscured by false ideologies and relativism, but the Light of Christ brings a beautiful clarity and hope to us in the midst of all the suffering, pain, despair and confusion.

But the question is, do we allow His Light to shine in our hearts? Do we seek the Light of Christ, or do we go after the lesser lights of this world? The Magi persevered in following the star because they recognised it was leading to something greater than themselves. They put aside their pride and wisdom and followed the Light, and as a result they found the Christ Child. We must have that same humility if we are to truly find Him. Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen (1895-1979) many years ago wrote, “Exiled from the earth, our Lord is born under the earth, for the stable was in a cave. He was the first caveman of recorded history, and there He shook the earth to its very foundations. Because He’s born in a cave, all who wish to see Him must bend, must stoop, and the stoop is the mark of humility. The proud refuse to stoop. Therefore they miss divinity. Those, however, who are willing to risk bending their egos to go into that cave, find that they are not in a cave at all; but they are in a universe, where sits a Babe on His mother’s lap – the Babe Who made the world.”

Finally, on this beautiful Feast, I wish you all a very happy New Year, and may the Light of Christ, revealed to the world on this Epiphany, bring abundant blessings to you and your families throughout 2025.

Fr Paul Gillham, IC