Remembering the “Epiphany”

Last updated on August 16, 2022

Is today Epiphany or the start of “Mardi Gras Season.” For anyone who has lived any length of time in Louisiana (like me), the answer is Yes!

Today (in the Western church, Jan. 19th in the Eastern) marks the visit of the “Magi,” also called the “Wise Men,” to the baby Jesus. While portrayals of the birth of Christ often act, out of convenience, that there were just 3 and that they arrived shortly after he was born, both claims are contestable. Take a look at the relevant passage in Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” ⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Notice that the number of Magi is never mentioned, only the number of types of gifts. That’s why the “3” is suggested, for gold, frankincense, and myrrh But these historical details need not detain us. The importance of this moment, I think, is captured well by the Anglican Collect for this very old feast day, marking the end of the Christmas season:

First, the use of the star to lead these men to Jesus is an allegory for the way in which God leads us to His son and the truth of His love; through the light of God’s Word and Creation.

Second, the “Epiphany” or “Manifestation” of Jesus to the Magi is taken as an acknowledgement that Christ has come to be the Messiah and Savior not only to the Jews, but to all people.  Though certain Christian denominations often seem to correspond to specific races and ethnicities, Epiphany reminds us that the gift of Christmas, and Jesus’ grace and mercy, are not restricted to one particular group.

Anyone may follow the “star” to Jesus if they so choose.

And while the biblical text does not indicate that these men were three “kings,” the imagery remains appropriate. For the “wise men,” and the rulers of the world knelt then, and will someday all kneel, before a baby born in Bethlehem who now sits at the Right Hand of God the Father.

So what do the great people of Louisiana do to celebrate? They make (or, more accurately, buy) King Cakes in which a small baby Jesus is hidden. If the slice you’re given has the baby (and you don’t eat it…likely resulting in death by choking…), then you are responsible for bringing the cake to whatever the next occasion happens to be. When I taught at LSU, during the Spring semesters, the occasion was basically every class on Tuesdays from Epiphany to Mardi Gras. Of course, in Louisiana, everything closes down on Mardi Gras and we eat all the leftover King Cake before repenting of it Ash Wednesday! At least…that’s what I did.

If you’ve never seen a king cake, here’s an example: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8144/mardi-gras-king-cake/ They are amazing when done well.

I wish I could write more about this day, but I will save longer reflections for a time when I’m not “drowning” in course prep.

Happy Epiphany!