Epiphany is a Christian Holy Day traditionally celebrated on 6 January (although oft times it is transferred to a Sunday) which celebrates the magi’s visit with Jesus, and signals the manifestation of Christ to everyone.
The magi came bearing unusual gifts, and I wonder what your most unusual gifts were this Christmas? The most unusual gift I ever got was a Bathroom Window and this year’s gifts weren’t a patch on that for ‘unusual-ness’ if such a word exists. There’s a song about unusual gifts many of you will know. It’s called the 12 Days of Christmas. The song covers the 6 days prior to and following the New Year, up to Epiphany. Traditionally this period is a joyful time, reflected by the song. I won’t of course reproduce it in its entirety but:
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven Pipers piping,
Ten Lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree!
This song has been sung for at least 200 years but it’s true meaning has been lost over time. For some it is simply a curiosity. A memory game sung for fun. For others it has hidden meaning. For instance the partridge is Jesus, the tree his cross. The turtle doves are the Old and New Testament and the Gospels are the four calling birds. Whatever the truth may be, it’s clear the gifts themselves are unusual, as are the gifts the magi bring to the baby Jesus; gold for a king; frankincense, burnt to carry prayers to heaven, to recognise Jesus as high priest; and myrrh foretelling of Jesus’ death, but also his ability to heal division and bring peace.
Strange gifts for anyone, especially a baby. But such gifts speak of love, joy and peace. They also speak of a different outlook on life, where relationships matter more than material possessions. As we go into a new year, I find myself wondering what gifts are we going to bring to others? And what will we leave behind? Maybe, especially after the last couple of years, it’s time to listen to what God wants for us in 2022.
May you receive the joy of the angels, the wisdom of the magi and the peace of the Christ- child...and of course a very Happy New Year
Rev Paul.
