Epiphany

We celebrate Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, at our house. I used to decorate as much for this holiday (using stars and Wise Men figures) as I did for Christmas. I don't decorate as much for anything now as I did when The Kids were little, but we do still observe it. Here's the story as found in Matthew 2: 1-12:

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet:

‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will govern my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (RSV)

And, of course, there's We Three Kings:

We always include a breakfast with our celebrations, including coffee. Here's my new fancy coffee cup:

We'll be putting away the Christmas decorations now and getting out some snowman-themed things. Placemats will be black for a while, and most of the winter cups are black as well. The dark and cold days of Winter are here, but Spring will come in its own good time.

Please join the T(ea) Tuesday link gathering over at Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog.

The picture at the top of the post is of the Adoration of the Magi (1423) by Gentile da Fabriano. The work is now in the Uffizi in Italy.