On Sunday, we celebrated Epiphany. This special time commemorates the visit of the three Magi (or Kings) to the Christ child. The three kings followed a star set by the angel Gabriel to guide them to the Baby Jesus. The kings traveled a long way to worship the new King of Kings and bring him gifts, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Now, we celebrate this special birth with blessings and gatherings of family and friends.

In other cultures, Epiphany is a large celebration that can include balls or festivals, King Cake, exchanges of presents, and special spiced foods.

In 1857, an Episcopal deacon named John Henry Hopkins, Jr. penned the song many of us are familiar with regarding Epiphany: We Three Kings of Orient Are.

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him God Most High.

Refrain

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Refrain

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia!, Alleluia!,
Earth to Heaven replies.

Refrain

We hope you had a blessed Epiphany full of joy and love.