I was so sure that my former classmate in the elementary grades, Epifania, was born on the feast of Epiphany. So I sent her birthday wishes last January 8th. ( Lately, this feast is celebrated on a Sunday between January 2nd and 8th.) My friend replied to thank me for the greetings but informed me that her birthday is on the 6th because originally this feast falls on the 12th day after Christmas and it must be 6th.
On this day, I love to listen to the beautiful lyrics of the song entitled ” We Three Kings of the Orient Are” written by Rev. John Henry Hopkins in 1857…
“We three kings of the Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain following yonder star…
Oh star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light…
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown him again, King forever ceasing never over us all to reign…Oh star of wonder…
Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh, prayer and praising all men raising, worship him God most high… O star of wonder…
Myrr is mine, it’s bitter perfume, breathes of life of gathering gloom, sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb… O star of wonder…
Glorious now behold Him arise, KING & GOD & sacrifice, Alleluia, Alleluia, each to heaven replies.”
HAPPY THREE KINGS everyone!
Happy three kings too mama!