The word epiphany has its root in the Greek word epiphania meaning "appearance or manifestation." Until the fourth century, the Church celebrated three principal feasts: Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost. In the Eastern Church, Epiphany commemorated three events: the birth of Jesus, his baptism and the wedding at Cana. However, from about 376, the Western Church has reserved Dec. 25 for the celebration of His birth, while at Epiphany, the emphasis is on the visit of the Magi, which represents God's self-revelation to non-Jewish nations.

      This feast celebrates the manifestation (epiphany) of God to non-Jewish nations. The expectation of Isaiah, that foreign nations would be drawn to the spiritual light of Jerusalem, is fulfilled when travellers from the East arrive at the court of King Herod seeking "the child who has been born king of the Jews."

      The foreign visitors are called "wise men," (the Greek word magi refers to the intellectual elite of Babylon). They have journeyed a great distance to seek the newborn king. In contrast, Herod, who lives only a few miles down the road from Bethlehem, has to consult the chief priests and scribes to find out what is happening in his own territory.

      A popular axiom says: "Wise men (and women) still seek him." Today we no longer need to travel far to find Jesus: He is present among us as we worship together. Receive him with joy! –Living with Christ