Epiphany Blessings

We worshipped at St. John's Lutheran Church
 in Alexandria this past weekend.

Loved this beautiful Nativity set
 they have in the chancel area.

This banner hangs as a reminder of the journey-

 the Epiphany worship -

 the twelfth day of Christmas.

A bit of history-

In Colonial Virginia Epiphany, or 12th Night, was an occasion of great merriment, and was considered especially appropriate as a date for balls and dancing, as well as for weddings. On 12th Night, Great Cake was prepared, consisting in two giant layers of fruitcake, coated and filled with royal icing. Custom dictated that the youngest child present cut and serve the cake and whoever found the bean or prize in the Twelfth Night cake was crowned "King of the Bean" similar to the European king cake custom.

In Christianity, the Epiphany refers to a realization that Christ is the son of God. 
Western churches generally celebrate the Visit of the Magi as the revelation of the Incarnation of the infant Christ, and commemorate the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.

I have this Epiphany Home Blessing from Abby Press to share.

For a family or anyone to bless the place where they live.

Reader:  Peace be to this house and to all who enter here, in the name of the lORD.

ALL: BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER.

Reader: There, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the plea where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Matthew 2:9-11

Using chalk, write above the doorway to your home: 

[first two digits of the year]+ CMB+{second two digits of the year}

("CMB" stands for Christus Mansionem Benedicat,

 Latin for "May Christ Bless This Home."

It also represents the initials of the wise men- Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.)

ALL: Lord God Almighty, you revealed Your only begotten Son to all nations by the guidance of a star. Bless this home and all who live here. 
May we be graced with health, goodness,

forgiveness and obedience to Your commandments.
 Fill us with the light of Christ, that we may go out into the world
 and share Your love with all. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May this new year bring many gifts of grace into your life-

for the sake of others.

Connie