Do You See What I See? The Feast of Epiphany

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
(From “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Gloria Shayne and Noel Regney

Today is joyous Epiphany! Did you almost miss it? Other people did...long ago. Although God chose to first reveal Himself to and through the Jews, the religious leaders were so busy deciding how many steps constitute work on the Sabbath that they didn't seem to care about the unusual star that appeared in the Heavens.Astrologers from the East, however, were watching. Led only by natural signs, not divine revelation, they were compelled to follow with open hearts. Hmmm...outright pagans found the Child. And at His feet they emptied their treasures and worshiped. Back in Jerusalem, the religionists still had their noses so glued to the right applications of Scripture that they missed the arrival of the Living Word.

Epiphany means "Manifestation; Appearing". The Twelve Days of Christmas have come to a close as the Church now turns her focus from the arrival of Christ in the world to His manifestation and revelation to the world--first, to the Gentile Magi and then at His Baptism.

The season of Epiphany begins tonight at sunset (the time of evening prayer) through the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) on February 2. In some cultures, the Christmas decorations and greenery are not taken down until Candlemas.

I grew up in a non-liturgical church and never heard of Epiphany, although Christians began observing it in 361A.D. However, it is important because it helps us understand the significance of the Magi’s worship, which can enrich our lives and witness in the world.I ask myself during this time, "What gifts did I give Jesus this past year? Were they the quality of the Wise Men's?

gold (costly)
myrrh (sacrificial)
and frankincense (a true heart of worship)

What about this year?

Can I leave my status and comfort, as they did, and travel to wherever God leads? Can I keep looking up, regardless of the difficult road before me? Can I humble myself before someone who appears "smaller or lesser" than me? Can I refuse the commands and enticements of a Herod? As a new year arrives, so does the opportunity to begin a renewed journey.

Epiphany also celebrates our Lord's "appearing/manifestation" as the Son of God as He stepped out of His baptism in the Jordan River and began His public ministry.

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?'

Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed him.

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him.

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'." (Matthew 3:13-17)

Epiphany observes beautifully Jesus Christ as Son of Man (identifying as one of us by becoming human in every way) to His unveiling as the Son of God.

So, what special celebrations are underfoot in the Goin household?

Honestly, I'm not much of a cook. But in years past, I’d call the bakery ahead of time and order a batch of star-shaped cookies, sprinkled with glittery-good sugar in three colors:

gold
red (frankincense-because it burns on coals)
blue (myrrh-although actually brown in appearance, it represents sacrifice. It was used to anoint bodies for burial; hence, the use of a “colder” color)Epiphany is celebrated is many colorful ways around the world:

The Dutch and Flemish call this day Driekoningen, while German speakers call it Dreikönigstag (Three Kings' Day). In the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and neighboring Germany, children in groups of three (symbolizing the three kings) proceed in costume from house to house while singing songs typical for the occasion, and receiving a coin or some sweets at each door. They may each carry a paper lantern symbolizing the star.

In some places, especially Holland, these troops gather for competitions and present their skits/songs for an audience. As in France, Koningentaart (Kings' tart), puff pastry with almond filling, is prepared with a bean or coin hidden inside. Whoever finds the bean in his or her piece is king or queen for the day. A more typically Dutch version is Koningenbrood, or Kings' bread.

In Britain, the celebration of the Night before Epiphany is known as Twelfth Night (The first night of Christmas is December 25–26, and Twelfth Night is January 5–6), and was a traditional time for mumming (a form of folk entertainment in which bands of masked and costumed merrymakers roam the streets singing, dancing, acting out stories, or simply engaging in horseplay) and the wassail. The Yule log was left burning until this day, and the charcoal left was kept until the next Christmas to kindle next year's yule log.

A traditional dish for Epiphany was Twelfth Cake, a rich, dense, typically English fruitcake. As in Europe, whoever found the baked-in bean was king for a day. Anything spicy or hot, like ginger snaps and spiced ale, was considered proper Twelfth Night fare, recalling the costly spices brought by the Wise Men. Another English Epiphany dessert was the jam tart, but made into a six-point star for the occasion to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and thus called Epiphany tart.

In the German-speaking lands, groups of young people called "Sternsinger" (star singers) travel from door to door. They are dressed as the three Wise Men, plus the leader carries a star, usually of painted wood attached to a broom handle. Often these groups are four girls, or two boys and two girls for the benefit of singing their songs in four-part harmony, not necessarily three wise men at all.

German Lutherans often note in a lighthearted fashion that the Bible never specifies that the "Weisen” (Magi) were men, or that there were three. The star singers will be offered treats at the homes they visit, but they also solicit donations for worthy causes.

Germans eat a Three Kings cake which may be a golden pastry ring filled with orange and spice representing gold, frankincense and myrrh and forming a crown. Or they may be made of typical rich Christmas bread dough with cardamom and pearl sugar in the same seven-bun crown shape. As in other countries, the person who receives the piece or bun containing the trinket or whole almond becomes the king or queen for a day.

Epiphany is also an especially joyful occasion for the young and young at heart as this is the day dedicated to plündern – that is, when Christmas trees are "plundered" of their cookies and sweets by eager children (and adults), and when gingerbread houses and any other good things left in the house from Christmas are devoured.

The Irish call Epiphany the Feast of the Epiphany or traditionally Little Christmas or "Women's Christmas" (Irish: Nollaig na mBan). On the feast of the Three Kings, the women of Ireland in times gone by had a bit of rest and celebration for themselves, after the cooking and work of the Christmas holidays. It has long been a custom for women to gather this day for a special high tea.

Today, Irish women may spend the day shopping, take a meal at a restaurant or spend the evening gathering in a pub. Women may also receive gifts from children, grandchildren or other family members on this day. Other Epiphany customs are popular in Ireland, such as the burning of the sprigs of Christmas holly in the fireplace which have been used as decorations during the past twelve days.

In other countries, children leave grass and water by the door for the Magi’s camels on Epiphany Eve. They awake to find gifts from the travelers. House blessings are common on this day as well.

Johann Sebastian Bach composed two cantatas for the feast:

Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen, BWV 65 (1724)
Liebster Immanuel, Herzog der Frommen, BWV 123 (1725)

Part VI of his Christmas Oratorio, Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben, was also designed to be performed during the service for Epiphany.

And of course, we’re all familiar with “We Three Kings of Orient Are”, written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., an Episcopal deacon. (Wikipedia)

Regardless of the activities associated with the celebration of Epiphany around the world, the most important thing is why we choose to observe this special day: We are thankful for the call to "whosoever will" to come from afar and worship the Messiah.

In the middle of the world's turmoil, a light still shines; and as it has been said many times, "only the wise see it". Epiphany is a time to pray for wisdom--an ability to see and be led by God. It is a day to examine the goods we bring along on the journey...for just as gifts were laid at the feet of a lowly Child, so they will be one day be laid at the feet of our glorified King.

Have a blessed Epiphany! Enjoy your merrymaking, and may the Lord ever increasingly manifest in and through your lives in 2014!

The Feast of Epiphany: Do You See What I See?

Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see?
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see?
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
(From “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Gloria Shayne and Noel Regney)

Today is joyous Epiphany! Epiphany means "Manifestation; Appearing". The Twelve Days of Christmas have come to a close as the Church now turns her focus from the arrival of Christ in the world to His manifestation and revelation to the world--first, to the Gentile Magi and then at His Baptism.

The season of Epiphany begins tonight at sunset (the time of evening prayer) through the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) on February 2. In some cultures, the Christmas decorations and greenery are not taken down until Candlemas.

For many Christians, today’s observance will never come to mind. I grew up in a non-liturgical church and never heard of Epiphany, although Christians began observing it in 361A.D. However, it is important because it helps us understand the significance of the Magi’s worship, which can enrich our lives and witness in the world.

Most anger scenes include the Wise Men from the East, but they actually arrived about two years later to the house of Joseph (Matthew 2:11). Remember, Herod had male children two years old and under executed, hoping to kill Jesus in the slaughter.

How amazing to think that gentile royalty, led from afar, brought gifts and worshiped Jesus as the King of Kings. I always ask myself during this time, "What gifts did I give Jesus this past year? Were they the quality of the Wise Men's?

gold (costly)
myrrh (sacrificial)
and frankincense (a true heart of worship)

What about this year?

Can I leave my status and comfort, as they did, and travel to wherever God leads? Can I keep looking up, regardless of the arduous road before me?

Can I humble myself before someone who appears "smaller or lesser" than me? Can I refuse the commands and enticements of a Herod? As a new year arrives, so does the opportunity to begin a renewed journey.

Epiphany also celebrates our Lord's "appearing/manifestation" as the Son of God as He stepped out of His baptism in the Jordan River and began His public ministry.

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?'

Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he allowed him.

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him.

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'." (Matthew 3:13-17)

Epiphany observes beautifully Jesus Christ as Son of Man (identifying as one of us by becoming human in every way) to His unveiling as the Son of God.

So, what special celebrations are underfoot in the Goin household?

Honestly, I'm not much of a cook. But in years past, I’d call the bakery ahead of time and order a batch of star-shaped cookies, sprinkled with glittery-good sugar in three colors:

gold
red (frankincense-because it burns on coals)
blue (myrrh-although actually brown in appearance, it represents sacrifice. It was used to anoint bodies for burial; hence, the use of a “colder” color)Epiphany is celebrated is many colorful ways around the world:

The Dutch and Flemish call this day Driekoningen, while German speakers call it Dreikönigstag (Three Kings' Day). In the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and neighboring Germany, children in groups of three (symbolizing the three kings) proceed in costume from house to house while singing songs typical for the occasion, and receiving a coin or some sweets at each door. They may each carry a paper lantern symbolizing the star.

In some places, especially Holland, these troops gather for competitions and present their skits/songs for an audience. As in France, Koningentaart (Kings' tart), puff pastry with almond filling, is prepared with a bean or coin hidden inside. Whoever finds the bean in his or her piece is king or queen for the day. A more typically Dutch version is Koningenbrood, or Kings' bread.

In Britain, the celebration of the Night before Epiphany is known as Twelfth Night (The first night of Christmas is December 25–26, and Twelfth Night is January 5–6), and was a traditional time for mumming (a form of folk entertainment in which bands of masked and costumed merrymakers roam the streets singing, dancing, acting out stories, or simply engaging in horseplay) and the wassail. The Yule log was left burning until this day, and the charcoal left was kept until the next Christmas to kindle next year's yule log.

A traditional dish for Epiphany was Twelfth Cake, a rich, dense, typically English fruitcake. As in Europe, whoever found the baked-in bean was king for a day. Anything spicy or hot, like ginger snaps and spiced ale, was considered proper Twelfth Night fare, recalling the costly spices brought by the Wise Men. Another English Epiphany dessert was the jam tart, but made into a six-point star for the occasion to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and thus called Epiphany tart.

In the German-speaking lands, groups of young people called "Sternsinger" (star singers) travel from door to door. They are dressed as the three Wise Men, plus the leader carries a star, usually of painted wood attached to a broom handle. Often these groups are four girls, or two boys and two girls for the benefit of singing their songs in four-part harmony, not necessarily three wise men at all.

German Lutherans often note in a lighthearted fashion that the Bible never specifies that the "Weisen” (Magi) were men, or that there were three. The star singers will be offered treats at the homes they visit, but they also solicit donations for worthy causes.

Germans eat a Three Kings cake which may be a golden pastry ring filled with orange and spice representing gold, frankincense and myrrh and forming a crown. Or they may be made of typical rich Christmas bread dough with cardamom and pearl sugar in the same seven-bun crown shape. As in other countries, the person who receives the piece or bun containing the trinket or whole almond becomes the king or queen for a day.

Epiphany is also an especially joyful occasion for the young and young at heart as this is the day dedicated to plündern – that is, when Christmas trees are "plundered" of their cookies and sweets by eager children (and adults), and when gingerbread houses and any other good things left in the house from Christmas are devoured.

The Irish call Epiphany the Feast of the Epiphany or traditionally Little Christmas or "Women's Christmas" (Irish: Nollaig na mBan). On the feast of the Three Kings, the women of Ireland in times gone by had a bit of rest and celebration for themselves, after the cooking and work of the Christmas holidays. It has long been a custom for women to gather this day for a special high tea.

Today, Irish women may spend the day shopping, take a meal at a restaurant or spend the evening gathering in a pub. Women may also receive gifts from children, grandchildren or other family members on this day. Other Epiphany customs are popular in Ireland, such as the burning of the sprigs of Christmas holly in the fireplace which have been used as decorations during the past twelve days.

In other countries, children leave grass and water by the door for the Magi’s camels on Epiphany Eve. They awake to find gifts from the travelers. House blessings are common on this day as well.

Johann Sebastian Bach composed two cantatas for the feast:

Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen, BWV 65 (1724)
Liebster Immanuel, Herzog der Frommen, BWV 123 (1725)

Part VI of his Christmas Oratorio, Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben, was also designed to be performed during the service for Epiphany.

And of course, we’re all familiar with “We Three Kings of Orient Are”, written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., an Episcopal deacon. (Wikipedia)

Regardless of the activities associated with the celebration of Epiphany around the world, the most important thing is why we choose to observe this special day: We are thankful for the call to "whosoever will" to come from afar and worship the Messiah.

In the middle of the world's turmoil, a light still shines; and as it has been said many times, "only the wise see it". Epiphany is a time to pray for wisdom--an ability to see and be led by God.

It is a day to examine the goods we bring along on the journey...for just as gifts were laid at the feet of an Incarnate Child, so they will be laid at the end of our lives at the feet of our glorified King.

Have a blessed Epiphany! Enjoy your merrymaking, and may the Lord ever increasingly manifest in and through your lives in 2014!

Why I Quit Celebrating Christmas (The Modern Way)

Busy beforehand; let down afterward. That’s how I felt when celebrating Christmas on the fast track of American culture. I was concerned that a politically correct, generic holiday was obscuring the real meaning of the season with each passing year.

Imagine my delight when I finally found the answer in the way Christmas was honored in Christian homes and churches in the past. Now, I still enjoy all the glitter and glow, but through more Christ-centered traditions. Although some church communions still follow these customs, most Christians in the United States are not familiar with the term “Christmastide”.

The Christmastide season is observed in the following ways:

Advent: Begins the fourth Sunday prior to December 25

The Feast of St. Nicholas: December 6

The Feast of the Nativity: (sunset December 24 to sunset December 25)

The Twelve Days of Christmas (sunset December 25 to sunset January 6)

The Feast of Epiphany: January 6

 Advent means coming or arrival. Its season begins on the fourth Sunday prior to the Nativity. It is a time of preparation and expectation.

A new candle is lit each week around a special wreath that focuses on a message shared in homes and churches.

Different communions have their own devotionals, but the following is one that my family has used for years that focuses on God’s coming to earth four times:

Week 1: We look back on the promise and fulfillment of the Messiah's first coming to earth as humanity's Sacrifice and Servant to reconcile us to God.

The Good News: God keeps His promises in the fullness of time!

Week 2: We focus on the promise of Christ's second coming as Judge and King to remove every trace of the tragic consequences of evil and set up His everlasting Kingdom.

The Good News: Flawless justice will right every wrong in the end, and we will live forever with God!

Week 3: We give thanks for knowing Jesus as personal Savior in life and death—a relationship that makes us unafraid before a God who comes quietly for His own every day.

The Good News: We fear neither the trials of life nor the sting of death, for we have been placed securely in Christ--sealed unto unconditional acceptance--now and forever!

Note: The Advent Wreath traditionally contains three blue-violet candles, signifying Christ in both roles as King and Savior. We cannot separate the manger from the Cross; Christ’s arrival in the earth makes no sense unless it is seen as the beginning of His redemptive mission.

The third candle, however, is pink for rejoicing. This reminds us that even in the middle of our introspection and repentance, we can still rejoice. We belong to a merciful God who is always available to help us.  I like the way The Message Bible translates Hebrews 4:14-16:

 Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Week 4: We invite Christ to come anew into our hearts and homes. We don’t want to miss the miracle of the Incarnation—Christ in us—that revives and graces us to go into a new year and carry the message of reconciliation to the world.

The Good News: I can renew my relationship with Jesus!

Nativity Eve: The four candles representing hope, peace, joy, and love have been lit. Now, the white candle in the center is lit—the Christ Candle—for the One who was, who is, who is to come.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8)

Gifts are meticulously wrapped and holiday menus set, but the question remains...this year, how well have I prepared for the Advent (coming) of Christ?

Christ first came to earth as a babe in a manger long ago. He became one of us so He could carry humanity’s sins in His own body and bear the punishment unto death. This sacrifice ended mankind’s estrangement from God, thereby making eternal reconciliation available to whosoever wanted it.

That was his role as a suffering servant. When Jesus comes to earth again, it will be as humanity’s rightful Judge and King. Have I prepared for that day? How does knowing this truth help me steward my life and witness before others?

Although Christ will return visibly to earth one day, individuals pass into their chosen eternity every day. Am I prepared for the end of my personal time? Are there any unsaid words, deeds, or reconciliations that need to be addressed?

At the end of human history, God will weigh all motives and actions on a perfect scale of justice. No one will escape his or her recompense. No one! Thus, can I trust Him to eventually and surely right all wrongs, even though I may not witness justice during my lifetime?

Even for the Christian, there will be an accounting of one’s earthly life. What endures through the test of honesty will be our final gift to Jesus. How well do I cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He works to conform me into the image of Christ?

What is the condition of my heart where Christ dwells now by the Holy Spirit? Is it cluttered with useless and broken things that block the light?  Is God crowded in there...somewhere?

A good time to toss out junk is before another Christmas comes and goes, and you find yourself unchanged. That's the purpose of Advent. You light a candle and take a few moments each day to pray during the busiest season of the year.

The candle signifies willing introspection...a welcoming of the Lord into the neglected nooks and crannies. It’s an invitation for Him to sweep them clean; then, fill with His light.

I know many of you have already decorated your tree or are in the throes of getting it up so you can enjoy its beauty before Christmas. No doubt, you will probably take it down the day after Christmas or before the New Year arrives. (As a child, I heard that leaving a tree up after New Year's Day was bad luck!)

In earlier times, Christians did not bring the tree indoors until Nativity Eve, the 24th. Homes were already decorated with greenery, but the family waited to decorate and light the tree on that night to symbolize "lighting the way" for the Christ Child's family.

Although I bring in a tree and decorate it throughout Advent, I wait until the 24th to light it. For me, it symbolizes that we always have room for Jesus in a crowded world where too many turn Him away.

The controversy among some Christian denominations regarding a holiday tree seems to center on one portion of Scripture taken out of context: Jeremiah 10:1-5

"Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:

Thus saith the LORD, 'Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.

They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go.

Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good'."

The entire chapter clearly addresses idolatry and the making of wooden idols to worship.

If Christians want to take the above Scripture at face value by not bringing any decorated "trees" inside, then what are we to do about ornamental trees at weddings with bows and ribbons? What about funeral wreaths?

It all goes back to the motive in one's heart. For instance, although many seek guidance from the stars, sailors use the stars to navigate as a gift from God--not paying homage to the creature, but the Creator.

We have written evidence from early church history that the evergreen tree was used to teach new converts about the Trinity before 500 A.D. Therefore, whether it's at weddings, funerals or Christmas, we take what God has created and use it the way He intended--for His glory and praise.

The beginning of the Feast of the Nativity (or as it has come to be known as Christmas Eve) is a time of great anticipation as the tree is lit. Then, family and friends gather for a meal before heading out to services. The tree traditionally remains up until the end of the Feast of Epiphany. (Jan. 6)

You see, years ago the Church did not recognize the Christmas season as officially beginning until the Feast of the Nativity drew to a close on the evening of December 25th. Christmas then lasted twelve days (from sunset to sunset); hence, the Twelve Days OF (not after) Christmas.

While Advent was a serious time of personal preparation and the Feast of the Nativity was a holy day of worship, the Twelve Days of Christmas were full of laughter, presents, feasting and fun.

We are overfed, over-indulged, and too tired to do anything the evening of December 25th; but in the earlier days, dusk signaled that the festivities were just beginning. God had received His "first fruits" of worship. Now, TWELVE days remained for the faithful to celebrate the joyous reality of "God with Us" with family and friends.

In the days ahead, I’ll tell you more about the real St. Nick and post fun ways to celebrate his legacy of giving. Additionally, you'll discover the meanings of the three Nativity masses, learn how to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, find out what the early church did on December 31st, and read about the colorful Feast of the Epiphany--wonderful, old traditions that can easily become your family's Christmastide!