The Feast of the Epiphany is still a time of gift-sharing in many parts of the world. On January 6, our children used to wake up to find at least one present inside or around their shoes, remembering the Three Kings or Magi from the East bringing gifts to the Christ child. In some of the early Orthodox traditions, Epiphany celebrated the manifestation of Jesus as the true Son of God, so on that feast day they remembered not only the events surrounding Jesus’ birth (circumcision, naming, and visit of the Magi), but also the family’s visit to Jerusalem as a teenager, Jesus’ baptism by John, all the way to the first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, where “Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory” (John 2:11).
I imagine a service on that day must have lasted three hours!
Our observance will not be that elaborate, but we will read the account from Matthew 2, sing some of the lovely Epiphany Carols, and think about how bright, shinning, guiding stars still play a role in our lives. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated; and, since, Sunday School does not resume until next Sunday, we are anticipating that children will be sharing in the sacrament along with their families. Afterwards, we will gather in the Christian Education Annex for the first brunch of the year. It looks like Epiphany is still a day of gift-sharing. Make sure to join us!
Peace!