The Epiphany (Jan. 6) is one of the seven principal Feasts of the Church Calendar, a celebration originating as early as the second century in Egypt. “Epiphany” is derived from a Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “appearing.” Some Prayer Books interpret the word with an alternative title “The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles” - which is a reference to the New Testament story of the Wise Men.

In the Bible there is no indication of the number of Wise Men; “three” evolved in later traditions. They became known as the “Wise Men of the East” or “Three Kings of the Orient.” Their names—Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar or Gaspar—first appear in a mosaic in a 6th-century church in Ravenna, Italy.

Additionally, they are identified as Magi, a priestly caste in ancient Persia. Magi are thought to have been followers of Zoroaster, the teacher from Persia (now Iran) who attempted to blend certain biblical themes with non-Hebraic beliefs. Their religion incorporated astrology, demonology, and magic. (The word “magic” is derived from “magi.”)

Although the Wise Men already possessed insights from the non-Jewish world, they were unsatisfied and continued to seek understanding. They were willing to journey to discover personally what the Creator was doing among human beings. Finally, they were sufficiently far-sighted to accept what they found: God’s Word plainly and innocently dressed. There they paid homage to God’s Messiah, offered him their own treasures, and presumably set aside any of their beliefs contrary to the wisdom of Christ.

The story of the Wise Men, whether actual history or truth-bearing allegory, affirms the Good News of Christ as wisdom for both the Jewish community and all humanity.

The entire Season of Epiphany (which varies in length annually) encourages us as Christ’s disciples to set aside inadequate ways of life and from within ourselves to manifest to others an awakened, joyous, trust in God’s Word personified in Jesus the Christ. We are urged to walk the pathway of love and justice lived and taught by him.