THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3
Merry Christmas
Celebrating the season of Epiphany were Gaspar, Melchior and B a l t h a s a r, but this is something learned postBible as well. G o l d represented a gift worthy of a king. Frankincense was an expensive gift valued for its wonderful fragrance The Epiphany marks the day that Jesus Christ was revealed and medicinal as the Son of God. In Western faiths, Epiphany takes place on values and January 6th. worship. It is thought Celebrants of the historians interpret that spoke Christian faith and there were only three due Frankincense Eastern orthodox to the number of gifts to the worship of God. Christian religion may that were presented. Myrrh was used as an want to wait a few The names of the magi anesthetic and in burial days after Christmas to start packing away their decorations and Everyone is familiar lo, the star, which they cease celebrating the holiday season. That’s with the story of the saw in the east, went because it is customary Magi who brought gifts before them, till it came to commemorate the to the Infant Jesus, but and stood over where the Epiphany, which marks we actually know very young child was. When they saw the star, they the day that Jesus Christ little about them. Although they were rejoiced with exceeding was revealed as the Son not given names in the great joy. of God. narrative of And when they were Epiphany is known by Gospel a few different names. St. Matthew, today we come into the house, In addition to Epiphany, know them a Melchior they saw the young child the holiday is sometimes Balthazar, the older with Mary his mother, called Little Christmas kings, and Gaspar, the and fell down, and worshipped him; and and the Feast of the young king. According to St. when they had opened Three Kings. Spanishspeaking individuals Matthew, they were “wise their treasures, they refer to it as El Dia de men” who sought Jesus presented unto him gifts; gold and frankincense, Los Tres Reyes, which by following a star. “Now when Jesus and myrrh.” essentially translates to was born in Bethlehem Day of the Three Kings. In Western faiths, of Judea in the days Epiphany takes place on of Herod the king, January 6th. However, behold, there came wise in Catholic dioceses in men from the east to the U.S., it is observed Jerusalem. Saying, Where is He on the Sunday between January 2 and January that is born King of the 8. Eastern Christians Jews? For we have seen follow the Julian His star in the east, and calendar rather than are come to worship the Gregorian calendar. Him. “ ... they departed; and Therefore, Epiphany occurs a few days later for them, on January 19. According to Christian tradition, Epiphany marks the day the traveling magi arrived from afar to bid welcome to the Baby Jesus. They presented three different gifts:gold, frankincense and myrrh. “And they came into We value your business the house and saw the and look forward to Child with Mary His serving you in the mother; and they fell new year. down and worshiped Him; and opening their The board, staff and treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold management of and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 Although the Bible doesn’t specifically 658-2152 mention that there were three wise men, biblical
embalming. It is also used to anoint one in faith. The meaning of the word “epiphany” is a revealing or an opening of one’s eyes. Although Epiphany is much known for the three wise men, the significance of the day is that God revealed Himself to everyone through the human person who was His Son,
Jesus. God reveals that the true God is Jesus, the Messiah, and Savior of the world, who was sent to the people for this express purpose. The day of the Epiphany actually marks the first day of the Epiphany season, which lasts until the Lenten season on Ash Wednesday. Through the Epiphany season, God reveals many intricacies
of His Word through scripture in the Bible. Although many Christians celebrate the better-known holiday of Christmas, Epiphany may have even more spiritual meaning during this holiday season.
Follow the star
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Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
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