Epiphany  - what a fun word to say. Say it aloud. Epiphany. The letters tumble from your tongue. January 6 is Epiphany, a Christmas celebration, recognizing the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus and in some churches, Jesus' baptism is also acknowledged. It can also be called the "Twelve night" as it is 12 days after Christmas. Epiphany goes back as far as 300 AD. The word Epiphany means to appear, manifestation or revelation. Epiphany is when Jesus was revealed as God's son or made known to others. This day celebrates God's revealing or manifesting of Jesus' identity as true God, Messiah, and Savior of the world. It not only commemorates the fact that Jesus appeared to save us, but that God revealed the identity of Jesus to the world. This holiday is celebrated in a variety of ways. When we visited Germany, we would see chalk on the front doorways of homes and business. This marked the blessing of the buildings done each year on January 6th. See the photo above, … [Read more...]

  I realized this year my grandkids didn't have an advent calendar. I grew up with the traditional paper one and when my kids were younger we hung the same handmade felt calendar up on the wall for many years. I think I was the one who made that well loved calendar from a kit back in my more crafty days. Advent calendars originated in the 19th century in Germany and are used by many families to  count and enjoy the days and delight in the anticipation of the birth of the Christ Child.  Each day you open one of 24 doors to reveal a Bible verse and/or small treat. The first known Advent Calendar dates back to 1851. Another tradition in Germany was to paint chalk strokes on the door, one per day until Christmas Eve. The first printed Advent Calendar, although without windows to open, published in 1908. Interest in Advent calendars faded during World War II until President Dwight D. Eisenhower appeared in a photograph opening one with his grandchildren.       Money … [Read more...]