“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”” (Mathew 2:1-2)
As the feast of Epiphany approaches with the first Sunday of the year comes by, the visit of the infant Christ by the Magi is being primarily celebrated. Also known as the Three Kings‘ Day or Little Christmas, this feast celebrates the manifestation of Christ. As the three kings visited infant Jesus and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
These three gifts had significant meaning with gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death, burial and healing purposes. These the three gifts signify the baby Christ as the King, God and Suffering Redeemer as well as highlight the natures of virtue, prayer and suffering.
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Mathew 2:10-12)
In the midst of the celebrations of the feast of Epiphany, one shouldn’t forget to understand the significance and meaning of the visit of the three wise men. Like the presents brought by the three magi, we should have the true presents for baby Christ. Presents that come from the heart, reflecting the true spirit of Christian behaviour and living. As the the three most important fruits of the Spirit go by love, joy and peace; bringing these gifts and sharing them would bring far deep happiness and contentment from within.
Though thousands of centuries will pass,
Oblivion will burry past dates,
But those stories live in the hearts
And they redeemed rich life!
One of them is the birth of the King!
No, not in the mansions, but in the barn of a wretched man.
A star in heaven, brighter than all grief,
All announced the arrival of God!
The Baby was lying in a small manger,
Shepherds hastily bowed before Him.
Replaced joy indefatigable fear!
Maria hugged the baby tenderly.
Christ has come! Left heaven …
Imagine this just for a moment!
Perhaps a tear flowed down his cheek,
when he made a firm decision …
Christ came so that the light would dispel darkness, to
embrace all with Father’s love, to
die for all people to Him,
and to redeem us all with pure blood!
Christ, the Savior, Jesus has come!
He was crucified … Risen !!! Now calls out:
“Leave the vice, take off your heavy load!”
He is the way and the life! And only He saves!
Christ is now not a baby in his arms,
As many depict Him.
Do not belittle the Lord in hearts!
Blessed are those who only glorify Him!
Christ has come! Many years have passed,
but He is the foundation for Christians!
And on this holiday, this Christmas,
We rejoice in this message again!
Ermolova S. (Source: vk.com)
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