Epiphany Celebrations for the Home
by MaryJane Pierce Norton

Christmas is celebrated on December 25. On this date we remember again the birth of Jesus. Beginning then and following through January 5 are the twelve days of Christmas. By following the story in the Gospels of Luke and of Matthew, we know the wise men did not reach Jesus until sometime after his birth. Because of this, we separate the celebration of Jesus' birth from the celebration of the coming of the wise men on Epiphany (January 6).

1. Add a white candle to the circle of Advent Candles. This signifies Jesus.


2. Decorate your home with white. Use white paints, white markers, or white streamers to symbolize the purity of Jesus.


3. Make stars. The star is the symbol of Epiphany because the star led the wise men to Jesus.


4. Sing any and all Christmas carols. Include such songs as "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "Away in the Manger," "That Boy-Child of Mary," and any that you love.


5. Have a "three kings" celebration day. In many countries, this is when gifts are given to symbolize the gifts that the kings brought. Make crowns. Read again the story in Matthew of the coming of the wise men.


6. Count off the days of Christmas. During the twelve days of Christmas, continue the celebration by giving gifts of kindness or care to one another. On Epiphany, sit together and talk about the ways you have cared for one another in your family. Pray together a prayer thanking God for the times of celebration you have enjoyed and asking God to help each family member continue acts of kindness and love in the coming days and weeks.

MaryJane Pierce Norton is the Team Leader of the Family and Life-Span Team, General Board of Discipleship.

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