Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Epiphany 2009

Happy Epiphany! Yes, today is the day the three wise men (Balthasar, Melchior, and Caspar) journey to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus.

Epiphany is celebrated on January 6.


Story:

In the Bible, the story starts out, introducing the Three Kings...


Caspar: King of Tarsus, land of myrrh
Melchior: King of Arabia, where the land is ruddy with gold
Balthazar: King of Saba, where frankincense flows from the trees

They also introduced the evil king Herod, who knew this newborn baby would take over the throne. So he tried to trick the Three Kings to tell him where the baby was. Without the Kings knowing how evil he was, they agreed. They each brought gifts from their countries, and started their journey on camels. They were guided by a great bright star, called "The Northern Star". When they made it to the stable, the star was exactly above the stable. They were astonished as they gave their gifts.

That night, the Three Kings had a dream. An angel told them not to tell king Herod where the baby was, for he wanted to kill Jesus. They obeyed the angel and went back home a different route. Joseph had another dream, telling
him to leave Bethlehem to escape from king Herod. They escaped to Egypt, and since the Three Kings didn't tell him where the baby was, he ordered all the boys under 2 to be killed.

Epiphany Prayer:
Dear Jesus, as You led the Three Kings to You by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to You by the light of Faith. Help us to desire You as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from You. May we, like them, have something to give You when we appear before You. Mary, Our Mother, help us to know Your Son.
Amen.


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We Three Kings ~ Song Lyrics:

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

O, star of wonder, star of might,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to the perfect light.

Born a babe on Bethlehem's plain;
Gold we bring to crown Him again;
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Chorus

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

Chorus


Bibliography:

http://www.oldandsold.com/articles03/santaclaus11.shtml
http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-stories/legend-of-magi.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi

Thank you for reading :) Happy Epiphany! Have a great year of 2009!