!2th day of Christmas
On January 6th, the students from kindergarten, first and second grade came to church for a prayer for the 12th day of Christmas - Epiphany also known as little Christmas and the celeration of the Three Kings. The children heard about Christmas being so important that the church wants to celebrate it not only for one day, but for 12. The children noticed the church decorations: angels, Christmas trees, pointsettias, nativity scene. They also learned that it is okay to celebrate Christmas for 40 days - until the feast of Candlemas on February 2nd, also known as the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple - 40 days after his birth.
Through the kings' visit to Jesus they showed that Jesus wasn't an ordinary baby, but one which would change the world.
The children learned the three kings names: Casper, Melchior, Bathasar. We also asked any children whose names started with those three letters - C - M- or B to stand up.
One of the second graders has cousins whose last name is "King" otherwise, we didn't think any of the second graders or other children there had kings visit them 12 days after they were born!
To remember the day, the children saw a presentation of the Christmas gospel by the second graders who had prepared the reading for 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. The children proclaimed the reading beautifully.
Included below are some blessing for Epiphany. They originally appeared in the Roman Missal and in publications from the archdiocese.
The children left the prayer service with the idea that they may encounter Christ in everyone they meet. They also had the idea to write in chalk above their door the formula: 20+C+M+B+06 to bless their room and to usher in the new year.
Happy New Year to all, and a special thank you to all our students whose enthusiasm and sense of wonder helps all of us celebrate our awesome God so well in all seasons.
Feast of the Epiphany Blessings
Today the star leads the magi to the infant Christ.
Today we celebrate the 12th day of Christmas.
Today we, like the Three Kings, seek the Christ child, lying in a manger, and living among us - in everyone we meet.
God has called you out of darkness into this wonderful light. May you experience God's kindness and blessings, and be strong in faith, in hope, and in love.
Because you are followers of Christ, who appeared on this day as a star shining in darkness, may he make you a light to your sisters and brothers.
The wise men followed the star, and found Christ who is light from light. May you too find the Lord in all whom you encounter.
Solemn Blessing
Roman Rite Sacramentary
Epiphany House Blessing with Chalk
At home, the current year and the initials of the legendary names of the Magi are marked above the doorway with chalk.
20 + C + M + B + 06
while a member of the household prays:
May all who enter our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us;
and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is Lord forever and ever. AMEN.
C-M-B are the initials of the legendary names of the Magi: Casper, Melchior, Balthasar. Another explanation of C-M-B is the blessing in Latin, "Christus Mansionem Benedicat", "May Christ bless this dwelling place." The four crosses stand for the four seasons.
Blessing Prayer for Your Home
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation: by the guidance of a star you led the Magi to your child, and by the light of faith you bring us to know Christ as Lord, the Messiah you have sent.
Bless us in this new year. May our homes be dwelling places of goodness, rest, comfort, mutual respect and helpfulness for one another, and hospitality toward strangers.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
AMEN.
Some cultures take the opportunity to go through the rooms of the house, sprinkling them with water, or making the sign of the cross on a wall of each room. The water is a symbol of the River Jordan and a reminder of our baptism.