January 6

The Epiphany marks the arrival of visitors, identified in Scripture as the magi, to the place where Jesus was born. Although we know virtually nothing about them, we do know they brought three gifts:

1. Gold — a symbol of wealth and power, identifies the recipient as a king. 
2. Frankincense — the crystalized resinous sap of a tree used as incense and as an offering, is symbolic of prayer.
3. Myrrh — another resinous tree sap, was used in healing liniments and as an embalming ointment. Myrrh is an odd gift for a child—so, even at the beginning of Jesus' life on earth, this gift foreshadows his death.

For much of the secular world, the holiday season has died down. Reflect with this article on the joys of the holiday season and what you have left to celebrate when the decorations are put away. 

Say this blessing on your home on the Epiphany.

Wish someone a Merry Christmas today! An easy way to evangelize is to wish someone a Merry Christmas during the Christmas season after December 25 and explain why. The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.