The Twelfth Day of Christmas is The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.
Frequently we include the visit of the Wise Men with the story of Baby Jesus in the manger. But it was months, up to two years, later that the Wise Men appeared in the house where the child stayed. The occasion of the visit of the Wise Men is the Twelfth day of Christmas, also known as Epiphany.
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
The Flight to Egypt13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Dear God, Thank You for leading the Wise Men to Jesus, thereby manifesting that He came to Gentiles as well as to Your Chosen People. We are so glad that we were included in Your family. You have set us apart and made us holy because You have redeemed us by the Blood of the Lamb. As you led the Wise Men to Bethlehem, lead us to do Your will.In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, now and ever, world without end Amen.