Women’s Devotion: Celebrating Epiphany!
Celebrating Epiphany
Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time! They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.
Matthew 2:10-11 (The Message)
Today, January 6, is Epiphany or the 12th day of Christmas! This day is celebrated around the world and most often commemorates how the star led the wisemen to the Christ Child. It is a day to reflect on God’s amazing gift of his son, coming to earth as a human, God incarnate. It is also a day that brings the end of the Christmas season. For me this means that tomorrow I will begin to take down my Christmas decorations.
“There is a custom, rooted in Ireland, of celebrating Epiphany as Women’s Christmas. Called Nollaig na mBan in Irish, Women’s Christmas originated as a day when the women, who often carried the domestic responsibilities all year, took Epiphany as an occasion to celebrate together at the end of the holidays, leaving hearth and home to the men for a few hours. This tradition is enjoying a revival. No matter how busy you have been during this season, Women’s Christmas offers a timely opportunity to celebrate with friends and also to spend time in reflection before diving into the responsibilities of this new year. For this purpose I am including some readings in the form of a Women’s Christmas Retreat. This is an invitation to rest, to reflect, and to contemplate where you are in the unfolding path of your life. Mindful of those who traveled to welcome the Christ child, and who returned home by another way, we will turn our attention toward questions about our own journey.” These reflections and poems are written by Jan Richardson.
© Jan Richardson from Women’s Christmas Retreat. janrichardson.com
Grab your cup of tea or coffee and join in on a discussion of this material over Zoom. We will meet at 9:30am during the Epiphany season on Jan. 12, 19 and 26. Or, just enjoy the readings on your own during this Epiphany season. We will be discussing the retreat titled “Home By Another Way.”
This month’s devotion was written by Deacon Kathy Paisley. Besides leading women’s ministries and the new member process, Kathy is currently serving in an interim role in Care and Visitation ministry. She is a Spiritual Director. She is married to Ben and together they enjoy time with their family, especially their three young grandchildren, Kane, Vayda and Kai.