videntes stellam magi (ssaa)

Text and Translation

Seeing the star,
the Magi rejoiced exceedingly: with great joy:

And, entering the house, they offered the Lord gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Epiphany or “manifestation” of Christ to the Gentiles in the person of the Magi is commemorated on January 6 or Twelfth Night (after Christmas). This is one of the oldest feasts of the Roman Church; it can be traced back to the end of the 3rd century. The Three Kings from the East and the Star they followed have caused the liturgy for this feast to be filled with images of rulers, kingdoms, dominion, and light.

Videntes stellam (Matthew 2:10 – 11) is the Magnificat antiphon during II. Vespers on the second day within the Octave of Epiphany.

Ron Jeffers