Jennifer Lambert

A Sacred Balance

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Celebrating Epiphany

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Three Kings Day or Epiphany or Twelfth Night on January 6 celebrates three events:

  1. the arrival of the Magi, or Three Wise Men, or Three Kings, in Bethlehem to see the child Jesus
  2. the baptism of Jesus
  3. Jesus’ first miracle.

In Germany and other places in Europe, chalk is used to write the initials of the three magi over the doors of churches and homes.

The letters stand for the initials of the Magi (traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).

Also the phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, which translates as

“May Christ bless the house.”

In Spain, there are processions of the Three Kings through city main streets and big festivals.

In France, they eat lovely almond cake. And in New Orleans, it’s King Cake!

Read more about the extensive world traditions of Epiphany.

We were so happy to finally visit Köln/Cologne to see The Shrine of the Three Kings before we moved back to the States. It’s a beautiful cathedral.

I love this image so much from an old holiday card that I saved it:

We learn about frankincense and myrrh as we read books about the Magi.

I have our family nativity scene displayed through January 6, and have the magi travel throughout the living room until they reach the Holy Family.

May Christ Bless This House

And Yours.

Celebrating Epiphany

  • Make a King Cake or Galette des Rois
  • Read about Daniel (precursor to the Magi?)
  • Watch The Star (for little ones)
  • Watch The Star of Bethlehem (for older)
  • Put on a funny skit or play
  • Crafts
  • Read books about the Magi
  • Visit, make, or learn about the Nativity scene
  • Listen to Bach
  • Sing carols about the Wise Men (I love We Three Kings of Orient Are)

Activities:

Books:


Linking up: Create with Joy, Maryandering Creatively, Our Holiday Journey, Jessi’s Design, Our Three Peas, Gingersnap Crafts, LouLou Girls, April Harris, My Pinventures, Uncommon Suburbia, Inspo for Moms, My Life Abundant, Sarah Frazer, Abounding Grace, Purposeful Faith, Heartsie Girl, Mommynificent, Debbie Kitterman, Penny’s Passion, Rachel Marie Lee, CKK, TFT, Life Beyond the Kitchen, Being a Wordsmith, Easy Peasy Pleasy, Blended Blog, Simply Sweet Home, Susan Mead, Momfessionals, Firemans Wife, CWJ, Counting My Blessings, Bright on a Budget, Lyli Dunbar, Crystal Waddell, Anna Nuttall, Answer is Choco, Creative K Kids, Coffee With Us3, Our Mini Family,

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Comments

  1. My Opah always said that you should try to learn something new every day. I am so glad I stopped by, because I learned many new things! Thanks so much for sharing about Epiphany! Many blessings to you in the new year!

    Reply

  4. Thank you so much for sharing this. Although I am a Christian I did not know about some of these traditions nor was I familiar with the “CMB” expression . I was so interested to learn more about Epiphany. You’ve provided some great resources too. Thank you so much for sharing with the Hearth and Soul Link Party, Jennifer. Happy New Year!

    Reply

  6. We enjoy a roscon de reyes or two every year. They start selling them in Spain before Christmas and they’re huge, but a few bakeries sell small ones. I grew up in the Episcopal church and have Orthodox friends, but it wasn’t until we moved to Spain that I understood how popular the holiday really is. Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg

    Reply

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