The Epiphany marks a special day in the religious calendar. This year, it was celebrated yesterday, Wednesday, January 6th. Epiphany is the day that the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and visited Jesus. The three kings brought Jesus gifts, so some families celebrate the day by giving small gifts to each other. Some families will gather with each other and tell the story of Jesus’s birth with a nice dinner.
When the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem, they found baby Jesus in a stable and adorned him with gifts. Many people will keep their Christmas decorations and nativity scenes until after this holiday. Common gifts when celebrating Epiphany include nuts, candies, books, and small toys.
In Italian culture, the Buffana comes and visits children, leaving little treats in the shoes of well behaved children. Similar to the story of St. Nicholas, the Buffana will leave coal in the shoes of misbehaved children. The Buffana is a witch, who rides a broom to visit each house.
In first grade, the Epiphany is especially important due to our study of the Nativity Story. First graders spent the month of December learning about the Nativity story and topped it off by acting it out in the annual production of Twinkle, the Christmas Star. COVID forced us to make a virtual play, but it was wonderful nonetheless. Yesterday, we honored the three wise men by blessing our classroom and listening to the gospel. Students also spent some time drawing their own depiction of the Epiphany. Oh, and Miss Knox had a special gift to her students—just like the Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus.
Each of us is called to follow our own star, to search for truth and love; keeping Jesus with us along on our journey. As individuals, we can be an epiphany for others so we as a community, we can grow and honor Jesus as our King. We would like to end this post with a beautiful prayer.
May we always follow our inviting star, across the deserts of our lives.
May we delight in the wonder of the unseen, and in new adventures just begun.
May our lives never become dull routines, as we search for Jesus in our lives.
May the light of the star that led the Wise Men,
shine through us by acts of kindness and love.
May the God of pilgrimage and adventure, the Father who made the star,
The Son for whom it shone, and the Holy Spirit who calls us home.
Bless us and fill us with wonder. Amen.