Monday, January 07, 2019
Epiphany 2019 at the Burton Household
Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, was a Christian holiday that most Americans know little about: the Feast of the
Epiphany. From the Greek word meaning “manifestation,” it celebrates the
visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus and his family in Bethlehem. We
celebrated the Epiphany dinner at our house.
Matthew 2 tells us that the magi, or
wise men, travelled from the East in search of the Christ child. They inquired
of King Herod where they might find Him, saying, "Where is he who has been
born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to
worship him" (Matthew 2:2). Upon finding the baby Jesus, “they bowed down
and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with
gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).
The Bible does not tell us any other
significance to these three gifts; however, tradition has it that there is a
deeper meaning for each of the three.
Gold is a symbol of divinity and is
mentioned throughout the Bible. The gift of gold to the Christ child was
symbolic of His divinity—God in flesh. It was also valuable and might have
funded their trip to Egypt.
Frankincense is a white resin
obtained from a tree. It is highly fragrant when burned and was used in
worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God (Exodus 30:34).
Frankincense is a symbol of holiness and righteousness.
Myrrh was obtained from a tree. It
was a spice and was used in embalming. It was also sometimes mingled with wine
to form an article of drink. Such a drink was given to our Savior when He was
about to be crucified Matthew 27:34 refers to it as “gall.” Myrrh symbolizes
bitterness, suffering, and affliction.
So while the 12 Days of Christmas
have ended it is a reminder to us that our celebration of Jesus birth is more
than just a day, it is a season, this day of epiphany and the three gifts of
the wisemen reminds us that we have reason to celebrate Jesus each and every
day.
Merry Christmas!
