The Epiphany or Manifestation of Jesus is the Christmas feast among Eastern Christians both Orthodox and Catholic The same readings for all cycles emphasize a number of themes The first reading from the final post-exilic section of Isaiah envisions the nations streaming to a restored Jerusalem

The Holy Family could well be called the Refugee Family.

As the celebration of the Incarnation nears the readings echo with wonder and joy Amid virtual despair about the future of the kingdom Yahweh tells Ahaz to ask for a sign which the king will not do lest he tempt God But Isaiah intervenes with an oracle of salvation Life is affirmed at the doo

Because of the ancient custom of celebrating three distinct Christmas Masses the liturgy offers a treasury of readings that bring out different aspects of the celebration The first readings herald the messianic promises of Isaiah and the good news of salvation and the psalms echo Israel rsquo s r

Echoing through the readings today are messages of hopefor people almost three millennia ago for people at the beginning of the first millennium and for people today Amid the turmoil of internal injustice and invasion by the Assyrians Isaiah proclaims Be strong fear not Here is your God he c

Another year winds down the days grow ever shorter and this Advent seems especially gray a time When yellow leaves or none or few do hang Upon those boughs which shake against the cold Bare ruin 39 d choirs where late the sweet birds sang Shakespeare Sonnet 73 Despite exhortations and