Happy Epiphany!

Today is the day that the 3 Magi arrive to see the baby Jesus in his manger. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In many countries, there are large celebrations for Epiphany or Three Kings' Day including gifts, parades, gathering with families, and Kings' cake. Some kids even leave a box of hay or straw by their bed as a treat for the camels.

Create your own Epiphany celebration for tonight or this Sunday with your family. Go on a Star hike or Star picnic tonight. See what you see in the sky above and imagine what it must have been like to "follow that star". Wonder what it must have been like to see Jesus, whom the prophets foretold. Talk about what gives you hope as you journey through this new year.

Make an Epiphany Ornament Wise Man Ornament

Find your way through the Maze (above)

Or have the family do a Chalking the Door ceremony where you bless your house and all those that enter and leave it.: Here is a simple blessing and explanation for the Chalking the Door:

 

The chalked blessing is usually done at the top of your house’s front door, but can be done anywhere near the door, inside or out. The blessing can be done at the entrance of any dwelling place where you live, whether an apartment or house.

 

The 3 letters are the first initial of each of the 3 kings that came to see Jesus after his birth

 

Casper    Melchior    and Balthasar

The “C, M, B” also stands for the Latin blessing Christius Mansionem Benedicat which means

 

“May Christ Bless this House”.

The Epiphany door blessing also includes the numbers from the current year. First you’ll mark the first 2 numbers of the year, then a plus sign between the initials of all 3 kings, then a plus sign with the last 2 numbers of the year. Here is an example of what the symbols will look like this year:

 

20 + C + M + B +22

 

God of Light, bless our home. Make it a haven

of rest for all in need of your warmth and care.

And when we go out from this place, may we never

lose sight of that Epiphany star. We mark our door

with the symbols of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar

who followed the star of God’s son 2 thousand and 19 years ago.

20 + C + M + B + 19

 

May all who enter throughout the year, find love and light;

For Christ has come to dwell in this home and in these hearts.

Amen

We hope to return next Sunday, January 16 and will keep you up to date on our plan as we make sure that we can do so safely.

We hope to return next Sunday, January 16 and will keep you up to date on our plan as we make sure that we can do so safely.

*If you haven't already, please make sure that your children are registered for the 2021-22 program year.* Register here >>

K-1st Leaders: Sarah Bryant, Kathy Compton, Laura Gandy, Anne Elzemeyer, Elinor Hitt, and Beth Frilingos

Curriculum: The Fruits of the Spirit

2nd-3rd Leaders: Danny Johnson, Sue Bess, Sintra Constant, Meg Fogel, Ashley Thompson

Curriculum: The Fruits of the Spirit

Club 45 Leaders: Jack Norton, Tim Frilingos, Julia Wilson, Steve Davis, Emily Pheil, Emi and Michael Gragnani (subs)

Curriculum: Connect

If you haven't already, please don't forget to register on Realm for Little Saints, Children's Ministries, and Children's Choirs.