Epiphany

[from the parish bulletin]

On this feast of the Epiphany we remember the three men from the east who came bearing gifts to the child Jesus.  The gifts reveal to us who this child is: Gold teaches us He is a king, frankincense reveals He is God, and myrrh tells us one day this child will die.  As a precious metal, gold has been since ancient times a symbol for royalty.  Frankincense, which is incense, is burnt to please God, so this gift reveals that Jesus is God made man.  Myrrh is embalming oil used on the dead, so its presence indicates one day this child will die.

What can we present to Jesus today along with the gold, frankincense and myrrh of the wise men?  There is a beautiful Christmas carol, In the Bleak Midwinter, which invites us to give the newborn child our hearts.  We have prepared our hearts to receive Him at Christmas, so the best thing we can give to Him is our heart.  A contrite heart longing to love Jesus Christ ever more.

“Oh what can I give Him, woeful as I am.  If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.  If I were a wiseman, oh I would do my part.  Yet, what can I give Him – I will give my heart.”