Sunday, December 28, 2008

Don't Forget To Have Your Epiphany!


I was horrified coming home from an errand today to see my neighbors Christmas tree laying in their carport! EEEEK! It's not over people! Christmas day is the FIRST day of Christmas! It's like "okay, I got my stuff, now let's move on!". No, no, no. We celebrate the amazing coming of GOD to earth in a more than the day of gift giving.
Let's remember Epiphany:
Epiphany (Greek for "to manifest" or "to show"), is a Christian feast day which celebrates the "shining forth" or revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. The Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6.[1] Western Christians commemorate the visitation of the Magi to the child Jesus on this day, i.e., his manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, his manifestation as the Son of God to the world. It is also called Theophany ("manifestation of God"), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany falls on the last day of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

So, leave up your tree and read the stories, play the music, make another batch of cookies especially if, like me, you didn't get to yet, and remember that Christmas is not the big bang of boxes and wrapping on December 25. It is a long period of reflecting, celebrating, and commemorating THE BIGGEST REVELATION OF GOD IN HISTORY!
ps: oh, yes, and i'm feeling better today..up and breathing better. thanks for your well-wishing!:)

6 comments:

Tricia said...

Okay, Alicia I have to admit I have taken down all my decorations. My plan is to spend the next week reflecting on Jesus.

Alicia said...

shame on you;)

julie said...

oh man alicia...sorry. i take things down FAST. it adds to my mental clutter to have seasonal decorations up for too long.....and just like you said..it isn't about boxes and wrapping. believe me, i understand this more than i ever have after tim had a heart attack last week. here is the message.......treasure each moment Christ has blessed us with.
love,
julie

Alicia said...

okay, i guess i'll let you two off the hook:)
I think sometimes we start too early with Christmas and get tired of it by the end.
Perhaps we should go back to giving one gift each day of the 12 so we remember it is a 12 day celebration and the 25th is only the first one.
I'm so glad you and your family are safe and sound Julie!:)

Tricia said...

I was thinking about next year putting them up later. I think after hanging around Julie for 16 years and being married to her brother certain things have rubbed off on me. ;)

Gombojav Tribe said...

We always order Chinese take-out on Epiphany. After all, the wise man came from the EAST! LOL! So, we order Chinese, but I make a nice dessert. The kids act out the Christmas story. And we have a special devotional time. We end the night by watching The Fourth Wiseman. It's one of my favorite days.