Within the next few days, many boxes of holiday décor will be tucked away in our home’s Christmas storeroom. I will have organized gift wrap. Decorations no longer desired will be placed in a donation box. Each year, as I purge and organize, I also sort through holiday-laden memories and emotions. A bit of melancholy mingles with relief because while I love the special season, it is nice to simplify and normalize.

A few years ago, I attempted to have everything Christmas cleared by New Years Day, but then, I was introduced to Epiphany. According to Church tradition, Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th, commemorates the visit of the Magi—also known as “kings” or “wise men—” who followed a bright star to the home of the infant Jesus. Epiphany marks the conclusion of the Christmas season, and in many countries, is designated a national holiday.

I like this Christmastime extension!

The three Wise Men with their camels, which are shown in today’s photo, are beloved Christmas decorations at our house and add special meaning to Epiphany. My mother made the figurines many years ago in ceramics. They elicit sweet memories of Mom, who always worked hard to make Christmas a special time for her family. They have also become an important reminder of the significance of the visit of the Magi who traveled far to worship the infant Jesus about whom they had read. (The story of the Magi’s visit can be found in Matthew 2:1-12)

In my non-liturgical faith tradition, we didn’t celebrate Epiphany. Like the Magi, a few years ago, I found myself searching. Unlike the Magi, I had already met Jesus, but a niggling hunch in the depths of my soul, kept urging me to seek more of him.

For the past few years, since working with a spiritual director and then training to become a spiritual director, I’ve been introduced to many Christian practices, saints, and different spiritual disciplines. The studies have added breadth to my faith journey and depth to my personal devotion. My appreciation of Holy Scripture has grown as has my love for people from a variety of Christian faith traditions. New dimensions of spiritual formation have intensified my desire for a more authentic, inclusive, intimate, and loving relationship with God and others.

So, on this concluding day of the season of Christmas, I am asking Jesus to first, deepen our desire to keep seeking him, and in this new year, to bless us and all those we love with the gifts only he can bring,

Sue Reeve

Epiphany - Recalling a Special Visit

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New Year – New Word