Category Archives: Epiphany

Unpacking the Epiphany Story

After the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem in Judea, in the reign of King Herod, some astrologers from the East arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, … Continue reading

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The Magi’s Blessing: Chalking the Door

I came across a wonderful tradition which I will have to research further to learn a little more about it’s origins. According to Pagan Christmas, “Even today, priests go from house to house in the Black Forest on January 6, … Continue reading

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La Befana: Ancient Goddess, Santa’s Precursor, or Christmas Witch?

I was hooked the first time I heard about her: La Befana, the “Christmas Witch.” The first figure I saw of her while traveling in Italy was an elderly “nonna” (grandmother) who was dressed in peasant clothing with a kerchief … Continue reading

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Time Keeps On Ticking

People mark time in different ways. Some of us carry a physical calendar with us to keep track of events and appointments. Others use a virtual one on our cell phones. Some have four seasons and all the delightful changes … Continue reading

Posted in Advent, Beltane, Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Imbolc, Lent, Liturgical Calendar, Lughnasadh, Mabon, Midsummer, Ostara, Samhain, Wheel of the Year, Yule | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Myrrh: From Birth to Death and Everything In-Between

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 2:11, NRSV] When most people … Continue reading

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