The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord is very significant to Christians. This is the day that Christ was made manifest to the Gentiles, symbolized by the Three Kings. The kings brought treasured gifts to the Christ Child and each of these gifts were chosen for their distinctive spiritual sympolism about Jesus.
The kings and their gifts are:
- Gaspar (or Caspar) is the King of Sheba. Caspar brings frankincense to Jesus.
- Melchoir is the King of Arabia. Melchoir gives gold to Jesus.
- Balthazar is the King of Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar’s gift is myrrh.
What do these three gifts represent?
- Gold is associated with kings and, thus, represents the kingship of Christ.
- Frankincense is used in worship and symbolizes Jesus’ priesthood.
- Myrrh is a perfum used in annointing the dead, and, so, prefigures the suffering and death of Our Lord.
These worldy and rich kings traveled from distant lands to pay homage to the Christ Child. And, their faith sees beyond the poverty of God’s birth and they immediately recognize the Child Jesus as the King of Kings and the King of the Universe.
Sometimes I feel that we allow the trappings of our worldly successes and riches to hinder our ability to find Jesus in the poor, unloved and lonely. Although these people may not be considered successful by the world’s standards, they, like us, are God’s children.
As this new year begins, let’s make new efforts to stop and pay royal homage to the poor humble souls we encounter in our days ahead. Let’s look for the Christ Child in hidden plances and lay at His crib the gift of our love.
