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   The word Epiphany, from the Greek epiphaneia, means appearance or manifestation. In the New Testament the word refers either to the birth of Jesus, or to one of His manifestations, for example, after His Resurrection. The Epiphany, or Manifestation, of Jesus to the Gentiles, represented by the Wise Men, was a most significant event, for it signaled that Christ was sent for the salvation of all people. Isaiah had prophesied about the Messiah:

   At the time of Christ's birth there were Wise Men, called Magi, who traveled a long distance to come to Jerusalem. They went to the king, named Herod, and said to him, “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? We have seen his star in the sky, and have come to worship him.”

Herod did not want to hear of any king but himself. He therefore called together the learned men in Jerusalem and asked them, “Where is the Messiah, called Christ, to be born?” They answered, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus wrote the prophet: ‘You, Bethlehem, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Herod then said to the Magi in secret, “Go to Bethlehem and find the child. When you have found him, let me know, that I too may go and worship him.” The Magi then set out, following the star until it stopped over the place where Jesus was.

The Magi entered the house and found Jesus with his mother Mary. They worshiped the child, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After this, they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and so they left by another way.


Epiphany Traditions:

   In Louisiana, the Carnival season begins on January 6th, the traditional feast of the Epiphany, and lasts until the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. The “King Cake” is prepared to honor the Three Magi. The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. A King Cake is an oval shaped bakery delicacy that is rich in both flavor and history. A tiny plastic baby is included with each King Cake.

Like the Wise men searching for the Christ child, the person who finds the baby in his slice is playfully honored as the king of the party! In keeping with Christian kingship, he’s expected to serve his fellows by hosting the next feast. This is also a wonderful Hispanic tradition, known as the cake of the Tres Reyes.

How ever you chose to celebrate, we hope you have a blessed Epiphany from everyone at Autom!