Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we continue our journey through the Christmas season, we arrive at one of the most beautiful feasts of the liturgical year: the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, the wise men from the East who came to adore the newborn Savior. Their journey to Bethlehem, guided by the light of a star, marks a pivotal moment in salvation history—the revelation of Jesus as the Savior of all people.
The word "Epiphany" means "manifestation" or "revelation." In the Magi’s encounter with the infant Jesus, we see God’s plan unfold. The visit of these non-Jewish sages is a sign that Christ’s light is not limited to the people of Israel alone but is intended for the whole world. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to all nations, and in this feast, we celebrate the universality of Christ's saving mission.
The gifts the Magi bring—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are rich in symbolic meaning. Gold acknowledges Jesus as the King, frankincense affirms His divinity as the Son of God, and myrrh, used for anointing and embalming, foreshadows His suffering and death. These gifts remind us that Christ’s mission is not just to reign as King, but also to give His life for our salvation.
As we reflect on the Epiphany, we are invited to ask ourselves: How am I responding to the light of Christ? Like the Magi, we are called to seek Jesus with hearts full of faith, to follow His guiding light, and to offer our lives—our talents, our love, and our service—as a gift to Him. The journey of the Magi teaches us that the search for Christ is worth every effort and sacrifice. May we, too, seek Him with open hearts and eyes that are ready to be illuminated by His grace.
This feast also reminds us of the importance of sharing Christ’s light with others. The Magi, in bringing their gifts to the child Jesus, were among the first to spread the message of His birth. We are called, in turn, to be messengers of that light, bringing the hope of Christ to a world in need of His love and peace.
As we celebrate the Epiphany, let us renew our commitment to follow Christ more closely, to be His witnesses, and to share His light with those around us. May the light of Christ illuminate your hearts and homes in the coming year, guiding you to deeper faith, greater love, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Happy Epiphany, and may God bless you and your families with His abundant grace in the new year.
In Christ's love,
Fr. James Northrop
Pastor
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