Epiphany - January 6th

Today is "Epiphany"... "Three Kings Day"...

It is the day the Christian church celebrates the vist of the three wise men - Caspar, Balthazar and Melchior.

Epiphany means "manifestation, or clearly made known."  Christians believe that on the day of the wise men's visit, it was manifested, or clearly made known, to the three kings that the baby was, indeed, sent by God.

Christians celebrate Epiphany in many different ways - some listen to Christmas music (especially the carols and hymns that tell the story of the bright star of Bethlehem or the three kings.)  Some attend worship services, while others celebrate "Epiphany Sunday" on the first Sunday after January 6th.  Some choose to spend time with family and friends and do something special for those folks each day.

Some people remove the shepherds from the creche and put in the wise men for Epiphany.  Oft times, the wise men are placed far from the manger before Christmas and moved a little closer every day until at last on Epiphany they reach their destination.

Do you celebrate Epiphany?  If so, how?  On Wednesday night, our church had an Epiphany Celebration.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner together and then learned of many of the traditions that surround the day.  Christmas songs such as The 12 Days of Christmas, We Three Kings and Go Tell It On The Mountain were sung by all.  The Italian Legend of Old Befana was reinacted with a very convincing portrayal of Befana by one of our members.  Three Kings in all their glorious robes and carrying the gifts of gold, franchensence and myrrh processed through the room to draw all who were present into the celebration.  When Befana refused to give them lodging for the night, they headed off, following the bright star in the night sky.

The Blessing of the Chalk which comes from the Catholic Church traditions was ceremoniously performed.  This was something I'd never heard of before and found most interesting.  Small pieces of chalk wrapped with green yarn are placed in a basket and blessed by the clergy.  Then, parishoners take home a piece of the blessed chalk so that they can write the year and the initials of the three kings each number or letter separated by a cross over the entry way.  This year, the inscription looks like this:  (+20+C+M+B+12+).  Not only does it stand for the current year and the three kings, but also for the Latin Christus Mansionem Benedicat (May Christ Bless This House).

Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.