Deacon Tom Fox

Extending Holiday Joy

Hello dear moms! Did you survive it all? I was in prayer for you – and I hope your felt some of the ‘grace vibrations’ giving you a boost to get all things done and to be able to enjoy the holidays.

A few years ago at this time of year, our (European-born) pastor came to the house. He had a large piece of chalk and he put a marking on the upper part of our doorframe: 2 0 + C + M + B + 06. If we were near to this priest now, he would likely do the same and the symbols would be 20 + C + M + B + 08. Do you have a guess as to what these hieroglyphics mean?

Well – the first clue is it has to do with Epiphany.  The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles when the Magi came to worship Him. Thus it is customary during the proclamation of the Holy Gospel on that day, when the words "fell down and worshipped Him" are proclaimed, a genuflection or a deep bow is often made.

The Christmas Season ends with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6, which is twelve days after Christmas. Epiphany means manifestation and this custom seems to have come from earliest times in Egypt. Thus the Church's celebration of this feast predates even the celebration of Christmas itself.  So how is Epiphany ‘recognized’ or celebrated?

There are many customs that you might consider and incorporate into your family celebrations – thus extending the Biblical holidays associated with Christ’s birth. For example, because the Magi came form the Orient, many spicy (or pungent) foods are traditionally served on this day.

Some folks wait until the Epiphany to ‘place’ the three wise men at the manger scene. Some families actually have children ‘move’ the wise men closer each day from Christmas till the actual feast of the Epiphany.

There are some folks who, by recalling the gifts given to Jesus by the wise men – offer or exchange gifts at Epiphany. My wife and I have received simple but meaningful gifts – e.g. cut outs of a dove – a bird of peace or representative of the Holy Spirit. On each dove was a single word. These gift words were inscribed with such as ‘simplicity’ (for simplicity of heart) or the word ‘patience’ (do you think the Lord guided that specific Epiphany word to this type ‘A’ deacon?).

Many of us ‘rush’ to take down Christmas trees and decorations. But for those who know of the meaning of Epiphany – and for those who want to ‘teach’ and celebrate the recognition of Christ the King as the Savior of us (Gentiles) – this is perhaps a more important feast than even Christmas.

So what about the mysterious letters and numbers (20 + C + M + B + 08) I mentioned above? They represent the year, 2008 and the initials of the traditional names of the three wise men or astrologers:  Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar.  And so – there is this custom in many lands of marking the front door – the place of welcome. As we see the inscription when we return home we are reminded that our home is God's home as well. You could have a family ceremony of marking your home -- just as the homes of the Jews were marked at the Passover.

Moms – we are meant to, and we have so many ways to celebrate the reality of Christ in our lives. Epiphany is a way of extending the joy of the holiday season. And kids just love it. Parents who do ‘spiritual gifts’ for the children are teaching an important reality.

May God bless you if this ‘works’ for you and yours. Happy New Year! And, as always: Blessings.

Deacon Tom.
www.deacontomonline.com

Tom Fox was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Denver. He currently lives and serves in a small, but growing mountain community in northern Arizona. Tom has received many requests for copies of his Sunday homilies and his shorter Communion Service Reflections. He is an experiential preacher who uses life and stories to share a message of today for Catholics and other Christians Many of his sermons are found on the internet – and a collection of them are found on his website: www.deacontomonline.com. Tom would love to hear from you and will try to answer any questions or sharing that you send in.

 

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