The Feast of the Epiphany Jesus was born

The Feast of the Epiphany

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea which was ruled by King Herod. The wise men form the East travelled to Jerusalem and asked King Herod where they could find the new-born king of the Jews. Herod was very worried as he did not want anyone else to be king. He sent for his advisors and they told him that the prophets had said Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. King Herod sent for the wise men, he said “I will allow you to search for this child, but you must come back and tell me where to find him. Then I too can go and honour him. ”

The wise men set off again on their journey. They followed the bright star until it appeared to stop over a house, where they found Mary and Jesus. They were filled with wonder and joy. They gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. An angel had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod’s palace, so they went back to their own country a different way.

What is the Epiphany about ?

The Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas on 6 th January and is the time when we remember the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three Kings) who visited Jesus. The Epiphany is mainly celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. It's a big and important festival in Spain, where it's also known as 'The festival of the three Magic Kings' - 'Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages', and is when Spanish and some other Catholic children receive their presents - as they are delivered by the Three Kings!

Twelfth Night is also known as Epiphany Eve. In many countries it's traditional to put the figures of the Wise Men/Three Kings into the Nativity Scene on Epiphany Eve ready to celebrate the Epiphany on the 6 th January. It's also traditional to take your Christmas decorations down following Twelfth Night

The wise men were guided by the star on their journey and so we pray together that we may also be guided by God on our journey through life: We pray for all people who have to leave their homes and travel a long way: that they may reach a place of safety and welcome. Lord, in your mercy. . . We pray for those who journey to find water, food or healthcare: that with our help their journey may be made easier. Lord, in your mercy. . . We pray for our parish, family and friends: that we may reach out to others who face difficult journeys, even though they are far away, helping them in whatever way we can. Lord, in your mercy…

Do you hear what I hear? Said the night wind to the little lamb Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky little lamb Do you see what I see? A star, a star Dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear? Ringing through the sky shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear?

A song, a song High above the tree With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king Do you know what I know? In your palace wall mighty king Do you know what I know? A child, a child Shivers in the cold Let us bring him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere Listen to what I say, Listen to what I say Pray for peace people everywhere Listen to what I say, Listen to what I say A child, a child Sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light