Happy Epiphany Sunday ! ! ! 

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And now a prayer: 

Dear God,
Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, You revealed Your only Son to all nations through the guidance of a star. We implore You to bless this household and all who reside within it. Illuminate us with the light of Christ, so that our care for others may reflect Your love. Just as on this day You disclosed Thine only-begotten Son to the Gentiles through the guidance of a star, we earnestly beseech You to grant that we, who know You through faith, may also witness the magnificence of Your glorious majesty. O Lord Jesus Christ, heavenly Sovereign, we express our gratitude for inviting both Jews and Gentiles to heed Your call, and for uniting them into Your Holy Church. Arise, shine, for the Light of the World has come! Alleluia! We approach You in worship, Your creation bowing before its Creator. Our hearts are exposed by Your light, as we humbly seek Your mercy. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

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A Brief History:
Origination:  The term “epiphany” is derived from the Greek word epiphaneia, signifying “appearance” or “manifestation” of a divine being to human beings. This holiday celebrates several significant events, including: The arrival of the Magi to see the infant Jesus, The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, The revelation of God through Jesus Christ. The initial mentions of Epiphany can be traced to the 4^th century AD, whereby the Roman church initiated the observance of Christmas on December 25^th and Epiphany on January 6^th. The Western church emphasized the arrival of the Magi, whereas the Eastern church commemorated the baptism of Jesus.

Epiphany mosaic courtesy of Openverse

Meaning:  Epiphany Sunday is a feast that commemorates the revelation of Jesus Christ to humanity and is commonly referred to as Three Kings’ Day.

King’s Cake: Traditions encompass the consumption of a “Kings Cake,” which contains a hidden trinket. The individual who discovers the trinket is designated as the king or queen for the day. In certain nations, children place a shoe and some straw on their doorstep, only to discover their shoe filled with presents.

Transfiguration Sunday: Transfiguration Sunday is a Christian observance occurring on the final Sunday prior to Lent and following the Epiphany season. This holiday commemorates the event in which Jesus manifested his divine nature to his disciples Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor. Some people say it is the last Sunday in Epiphany, but the Christian Calendar indicates that it is indeed not actually part of Epiphany, and it’s meaning is derived from a different beginning.

Celebrated: Epiphany Sunday is a Christian observance celebrated on January 6^th or the nearest Sunday to that date. The actual Epiphany is always celebrated directly on January 6^th.

Photo by Elf-Moondance courtesy of Pixabay

A Few Facts:
I am sharing a few facts, and more, some trivia, some not trivial. . .

Observed: Epiphany is observed in various ways across the globe, including the following:

• Parades and Fireworks: In Spain and Latin America, it is customary for children to leave out beverages for the Three Kings, accompanied by parades and fireworks displays.
• Gift-Giving: Children typically receive small presents placed in their shoes, commemorating the gifts brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus.
• Blessing of Water: In Eastern traditions, baptism is a prevalent practice during Epiphany, and homes may be sanctified with holy water.
• Consumption of a “Kings Cake”: In certain cultures, individuals partake in a “Kings Cake” that contains a hidden trinket. The person who discovers the trinket is designated as King or Queen for the day.
• Dismantling Christmas Decorations: For some, Epiphany serves as the occasion to remove and store Christmas decorations until the following year.
• The US Virgin Islands: Epiphany is recognized as a public holiday; however, it does not hold the status of a federal public holiday in the remainder of the United States.

Photo by Margarita Shtyfura courtesy of Openverse

The Present:
Epiphany is among the earliest Christian celebrations. Additionally, it signifies “a revelation or manifestation, particularly of a divine entity.” Today it continues to be a very important religious holiday…

The Future:
The future looks pretty bright with all religious holidays are a great celebration: celebrating this earthly world with the coming permanent home in heaven!

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Epiphany Crozier courtesy of Openverse

Epiphany Sunday