Epiphany

We have celebrated epiphany for many years, not every year, but most, as circumstances allowed.

  It is always a joy and delight. 

 Epiphany is the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas, 

long ago established by the persecuted church, ending in a feast on the 12th day, January 6th.

This year, we feasted well on prime rib graciously given to us by a friend, 

served with Duchess Potatoes,

Cheesy Sourdough Bread,

 sauteed green beans, 

Pear-Feta Salad with an Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette,

and ending with blackberry pie and whipped cream., served with coffee and tea, of course.

Rose, Brian and I worked all afternoon getting the table just right and preparing the food.

The meal would be served in courses, 

with 4 days of Christmas unfolding between each course.

                                                       

Guests arrived just as the prime rib reached temperature, 

and we all sat down together for a sumptuous meal, good fellowship, and lots of laughter.  

To see and hear some of the fun, try this link, 

where we sing merrily, if a tad bit off key:

The Twelve Days of Christmas

 Since Christmas, we have been teaching the children about the hidden message 

behind the 12 days of Christmas.  

And although we have a great deal of fun here, 

the real reason we adore this tradition is the intention of  serious, reflective days following the holidays, 

to really take Advent all in, but also gradually lets one go from all the festivities of Christmas 

to the slower pace of January. 

 I find it absolutely perfect.

For more serious thoughts on epiphany, this article sums it all up very nicely:

(thanks Will D!)

                                                              The Irony of the Epiphany

 from in front of the fire on this snowy day,

Julianne

Celebrating Epiphany

Epiphany is the celebration of the wise men arriving in Bethlehem, giving gifts to the baby Jesus.

This day is traditionally January 6, which is also the last day of the twelve days of Christmas.

In honor of this day, we have invited over friends for a regular feast.

The joy that Jesus came,

the miracle of the star of Bethlehem that led the wise men from afar,

 and the fun of catechizing the family with the twelve days of Christmas

makes for a most joyous occasion.

To me, a great deal of the pleasure is in planning and decorating for the festivities.

The merriment begins when friends arrive. 

 Children are excited, and thus noisy. 

 Mouth watering aromas are wafting from the oven.

Finally the candles are lit and everyone called to the table,

which is heavy laden with food and all sorts of good things,

including the best donuts I have ever had..

I am sure the recipe can be found on my good friend and dinner guest,

  Enola Gay's blog,  Paratus Familia.

Having eaten too many donuts on top of a scrumptious dinner,

 my belly is as full as my heart;

grateful beyond words for the Divine occasion we commemorate on this night,

 relishing the good fellowship of friends.

 The night goes by all too quickly, and before we are ready,

 our guests are headed down the road in a fine mist of snow.

Ah, today has been a most triumphant day.

The Lord is good to all.

REJOICE!

Celebrate.

Feast at His table.