by Dom Prosper Gueranger, 1870

The great Mystery of the Alliance of the Son of God with the universal Church, and which is represented in the Epiphany by the Magi, was looked forward to by the world in every age previous to the coming of our Emmanuel. The Patriarchs and Prophets had propagated the tradition; and the Gentile world gave frequent proofs that the tradition prevailed even with them.

We are no longer in the anxious period of expectation; the Star has risen, and the Kingdom it predicted will now for ever protect and bless us. The Kings of Tharsis and the Islands, the Kings of Arabia and Saba, the Princes of Ethiopia, are come, bringing their gifts with them; all generations have followed them. The Spouse has received all her honors, and has long since forgotten Amana, and Sanir, and Hermon, where she once dwelt in the midst of wild beasts; she is not black, she is beautiful, with neither spot nor wrinkle upon her, but in every way is worthy of her divine Lord. Baal is forgotten forever, and she lovingly speaks the language given her by her God. The One Shepherd feeds the one flock. The last Kingdom, the Kingdom which is to continue for ever, is faithfully fulfilling its glorious destiny.

It is thou, O Divine Infant! that bringest us all these graces, and receivest all this devoted homage of thy creatures. The time will soon come, dear Jesus! when Thou wilt break the silence Thou hast imposed on Thyself in order that Thou mightest teach us humility — Thou wilt speak to us, as our Master. Caesar Augustus has long ruled over Pagan Rome, and she thinks herself the kingdom that is to have no end; but she and her Rulers must yield to the Eternal King and His eternal City: the throne of earthly power must now give place for the Throne of christian charity, and a new Rome is to spring up, grander than the first.

The Gentiles are looking for Thee, their King; but the day will come, when they will have no need to seek Thee, but Thou, in Thy mercy, wilt go in search of them, by sending them apostles' and missioners, who will preach thy Gospel to them. Show Thyself to them, as He to whom all power has been given in heaven and on earth; and show them also Her, whom thou hast made to be Queen of the universe. May this august Mother of Thine be raised up from the poor Stable of Bethlehem, and from the humble dwelling of Nazareth, and be taken, on the wings of Angels, to that throne of mercy which thou hast made for her, and from which she will bless all peoples and generations with her loving protection.

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