Then you shall see and be radiant, your heart shall thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.Isaiah 60:5-6
[King Herod tries to trick the magi into showing them where Jesus is, so that later he will be able to destroy the “new king”.The magi leave Herod’s palace and continue following the star.]
When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy;and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.Matthew 2:9-12
Bay Laurel
Akathis Hymn: twenty-third chant (opposite column) Our father … O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth:Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen.(BCP collect for the Epiphany, January 6)
Adoration of the Magi, Giotto
Akathis Hymn: twenty-third chant
By singing praise to your maternity, we all exalt you as the spiritual temple, O Mother of God!For the One who dwelt within your womb, the Lord who holds all things in his hands, sanctified you, glorified you, and taught all people to sing to you:
Notes: Birds: peacock, ostrich, crested crane- three birds with crowns Margins:kiwi, parrot, penguins, puffin, emu, lyrebird, Chinese pheasants, - representing birds from around the world …(include extinct birds – dodo passenger pdgn?)Plant:laurel and acanthus leaves or frankincense Symbol:Morning Star