General. This feast commemorates the manifestation of Our Lord to mankind. There are three forms of such discovery, the most common being that celebrated today in the Latin church, which is the visit of the kings-magi. The second is the Baptism of the Lord, which is celebrated in the Eastern Church as the main Epiphany event, but to which the Latin Church reserves a special Sunday immediately following today’s feast. The third recalls the miracle at Cana where Jesus showed his power to mankind, changing water to wine which gives life (joy and happiness) in the celebration of the Eurcharist. In the former Latin calendar this feast fell on the second Sunday after the Epiphany.

Isaiah. The arrival of the Lord on earth breaks up the darkness prevailing over all mankind and enlightens the nations of the world. In thanksgiving for all this, the people inhabiting the earth share gifts with the poor and the down-trodden and, most important, spread the good tidings of praise to the Lord.

Psalm. The Lord will bring justice to all on earth, but mostly to the poor and the forsaken for whom He was sent. All nations shall yet bow down before Him for the age of peace and tranquillity He brings to those who believe in Him.

Ephesians. God’s plan of salvation for mankind could hardly be understood at the time but St Paul contends it has now been revealed to the apostles and to the prophets in spirit. Jesus was not only sent for those who lived under The Law (the Jews) but for all humanity, gentiles (Romans and Greeks) and pagans (today’s agnostics and atheists) included. God’s call is for all to be members of the same Inheritance, Body and Promise if only they believe in Jesus (Saviour, Healer) Christ (the Anointed) through the teachings of His Gospel.

Matthew. The traditional recount of the visit of the kings-magi to bow down before the Lord Jesus reminds us of the condescension of earthly powers before the Lord God of All when they recognize His power and their own nothingness and vanity in His regard. The star of wonder has a double role in the story. Its light leads mankind to Jesus and to God and those who follow it blindfoldedly find the True Light. Yet also, this same powerful star stops its movement (a quite hefty thing to do in nature) when it encounters the real Lord of heaven and earth.

Christmas Readings from the Church Fathers

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