Epiphany

Epiphany is the day we celebrate the visit of the Magi, or the Wise Men. Not much is known about these visitors other than what Matthew records in the first book of the New Testament. We know they were from the East and studied the stars. We also know that they had some knowledge of the history and prophecies concerning Israel. They followed a star to Bethlehem, but contrary to the popular Nativity scenes, they probably arrived a year or two after Jesus’ birth.
There is no mention of the number of wise men, although it has been assumed that there were three based on the three gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh. Religious tradition has even given them names: Balthazar, Caspar (or Gaspar), and Melchior.
We do know for a fact that wise men came and worshiped Jesus. It was an important enough event for Matthew to add it to his account of the birth of Jesus. This was God announcing his long-awaited son’s arrival on the earth to the Gentile world. And it provides further confirmation of God’s universal love.