Even though the liturgical celebration of the Epiphany will be on Sunday
January 3, many countries still observe it on January 6th,
which is also considered as the 12th day of Christmas. Many beautiful paintings
have been produced over the centuries to depict this scene of Gaspar, Melchior
and Balthasar presenting the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the new-born Jesus. The gifts represent respectively the characteristics that Jesus
had, as a King (gold,) as a God (frankincense,) and as a human being (myrrh.)
The above painting is from the ceiling of St Mary's parish church in Ghaxaq,
Malta, painted by Chev. Emvin Cremona, a Maltese painter and one of my favorite
artists. The entire ceiling of the same church has other paintings representing
scenes from the life of the Blessed Mother.
And speaking of threes, may I share with you some other precious values
that come in 3:
Starting from the Trinity, God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
The three virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity.
3 values we aspire for: Peace, Honesty and Hope.
3 vices that destroy many a person: Anger, Pride and Jealousy.
3 lessons for a mature dialogue: sit down, listen, then talk.
3 riches for any Catholic: the Eucharist, Confession and Prayer.
3 people for a successful marriage: the husband, the wife, Jesus in their
midst.
3 things which are never certain in life: success, dreams and fortune.
3 qualities that enrich every good person: sincerity, hard work and mercy.
3 things that make life priceless: love, forgiveness, honest friends.
3 phrases that strengthen every family: Thank you, I’m sorry, I love you.
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