Many Christians around the world annually celebrate Epiphany on 6th January, although some Christian celebrated on Sunday 3rd January as chosen by the Region for the Solemnity of the Epiphany. In many countries it is celebrated a public holiday to commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested:
- when the three kings (also known as wise men or Magi) visited the infant Jesus in Bethlehem;
- and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan.
The day is commonly known as Three Kings’ Day or the Feast of the Epiphany, meaning “manifestation” or “showing forth.”
The kings are important because their visit illustrates that Jesus was the king of all kings. They offered Him three gifts:
- Gold, a symbol of kingship on earth;
- Frankincense, used to worship at a temple and a symbol of deity;
- Myrrh, used for embalming and a symbol of mortality.
The 6th January is traditionally a special day in Ireland when we celebrate our women who have worked so tirelessly during the holiday period. The day is known as Nollaig na mBan, (Little Christmas). This is a time to value the support, prayers and ideas of our mothers, aunts, and sisters.
This Epiphany, let us be a guiding star for others, leading them to Jesus and let us, like the magi be a gift to someone during this year by giving of our time, our talents, our love and our compassion.