CMP Review 2026-04-26

Open book page showing a detailed Renaissance scene: a bearded man in ornate robes blessing others, with a Madonna and child on the left; hands hold the page.

Epiphany is “one of the oldest festivals of the Christian Church.” Before there was Christmas, Epiphany “ranked with Easter and Pentecost as one of the three principal festivals of the Church.” In the Western Church, Epiphany “became associated with the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles in the person of the Magi,” and that was how it was understood by Charlotte Mason. In her poetry, however, she sought to advance a “whole conception of Christ’s life among men.” Rather than treat the event of the Magi in isolation, she presented its connection to the overall mission of our Lord:

The myrrh of suffering, frankincense of prayer,
And regal gold; for these three men were wise,
And knew how He they worshipped should go forth
To suffer, teach, and pray, to rule—a King.

Read or hear Miss Mason’s poem here.

@artmiddlekauff