Today is the Feast of Epiphany. (Epiphany is actually on Jan 6th, but the Church moved this Feast to this Sunday, Jan 8th). Traditionally, this day also called "Little Christmas" is celebrated 12 days after Christmas and is the day that the Three Kings or Magi arrive from the East to pay homage to the newborn baby Jesus. Micah prophesied about this saying that Jesus would come from "...Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means means least among the princes of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is shepherd to my people Israel."
Jesus was send to earth, not just to shepherd the people of Israel, but was send for all nations. This feast celebrates the manifestation of Jesus to Gentile seekers, and Matthew tells the story of the kings humbly entering the house of the Holy Family to present gifts to Jesus and congratulate Mary and Joseph. Because of this, there are many traditions which celebrate the family as the domestic Church, an intimate Christian community in which children and most Christians first find faith in Jesus.
How can your family celebrate your faith in Jesus? What have you sought or are seeking this season? Research some Epiphany traditions and adopt one for your family.
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