The Feast of Epiphany
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.
—From Matthew 2 (NKJV)
“The Magi’s visit demonstrates the Light of Christ brightening all the world. ”
Reflection
This is our final message to you as we step out of the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Have you been blessed by this series? We welcome your stories of growth or transformation. Simply leave a note in the comments section below, or if reading by email, tap reply. How have you experienced The Joy of Advent this season?
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This Advent has been one of the most meaningful our family has ever experienced. Each evening we’ve gathered at the dining table, lit the candles on our Advent wreath, and shared the meditations, songs and prayers. Some nights we had lively debates over who lit the candles (and who got to blow them out!), but always we were together. Even on nights when we were so exhausted from the frenetic pace of the holidays that we were tempted to take a night off, our littlest children insisted that we “do Advent.” They —and we — have grown in faith and in our love for one another. Thank you for celebrating with us!
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Celebrate Together
Gather the family for today’s Celebration in our book, The Joy of Advent. Delve into the meaning of Epiphany — why did the sky erupt into a chorus of angels singing, “Glory to God in the Highest”? Celebrate together with the story of the Magi, its significance, and how you can carry that celebration into your everyday life, including how to host an Epiphany party and the tradition of blessing one’s house with chalk during this beautiful celebration.
Today’s Jesse Tree Symbol:
The Magi remind us that Jesus Came for All People.
Inspiration
The Adoration of the Magi
Fresco in the Basilica inferiore di San Francesco d’Assisi in Assisi, Italy, c. 1310.
Music
Together let’s celebrate the visit of the Magi with We Three Kings! [Play Video]
Reflect on the season as you enjoy Epiphany Carol. [Play Video]
Prayer
O God, Who by the leading of a star didst manifest Thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant, that we, which know Thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of Thy glorious Godhead, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(From Household Prayer, From Ancient and Authorized Sources, P. G. Medd, 1864)
Resources
Would you like to support Joy of Advent? Find out more here.
Enjoy a printable coloring page of the Visitation of the Magi.
Would you like to make Jesse Tree ornaments to accompany your readings? Find tutorials and ideas from simple to advanced at our Jesse Tree Ornaments Pinterest board.
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