Epiphany


Tomorrow, January 6th, we celebrate Epiphany, a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Magi to Jesus.


Our church, Rumple Presbyterian, celebrated the event yesterday. We dressed as wise men (Magi) for a live nativity in December. We were asked to reprise the characters.


The pastor read the biblical account in Matthew 2:1–12, then related a fictional tale, The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke. (Summary: “The Other Wise Man” by Henry Van Dyke narrates the story of Artaban, a wise man from Persia. Instead of joining the three wise men going to pay homage to baby Jesus, he uses his wealth to help the needy, healing the sick, and saving a young woman from slavery. Dying without physically finding Jesus, he learns that his acts of kindness were in service to the King he sought.) It was a touching tale.


Our place of worship also follows another tradition on Epiphany: the gift of “star words.” Offering plates are passed, but instead of placing a contribution, parishioners are asked to take a star. The word written on the star should be used as an intention for the year. In 2025, my star word was “vision”; my 2026 word is “thoughtfulness.”


Do you honor Epiphany (Twelfth Night)? Does your family heritage have any special cultural practices?

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