In one of the Christmas epistles I received during the holiday season, I was reminded that there now is Bethlehem Star TV as Trinity Broadcasting Network has a station in Bethlehem. The antenna is atop the Church of the Nativity. Isn't this exciting to know this is happening in this century? This network reaches all over Israel and even into Saudi Arabia, and in the future, will reach out to the world.
When you read this warm thoughts column, it will be either the 12th or 13th day of Christmas. On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...because of that lively carol, we all know that there are 12 Days of Christmas. January 6th, the 12th day, is associated with the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany means "manifestation," and celebrates the occasion when the wise men came from the east and presented their gifts. In some countries and cultures, January 6th is when the gifts are unwrapped.
In Spain, everyone knows about the epiphany for the 12 Days of Christmas. Leading up to it, and on the day itself, street possessions take place, with the three kings in traditional dress being led to the local church or town square. Then and only then, are gifts exchanged. The children have to wait until January 6th to unwrap their presents. Sometimes we may think that our way of celebrating Christmas is the same all over the world. Our way has become increasingly secular, as evidenced by the street decorations in our cities. Father Christmases, colored lights, and fir trees abound from autumn onwards. Yet one has to search to find any reference to the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesu,s sent to us to be our Emmanuel, our Savior, saving us from self destruction, and to show us how God would have us live.
The 12 Days of Christmas, beginning with the wonderful event of the birth of the Christ child, and ending with the epiphany have more to teach us about the reality of life and living. We are reminded that Jesus was born in a stable as there was no room elsewhere. We are also reminded that Jesus was a refugee with his parents fleeing to escape the murder of the innocents ordered by that insecure ruler, Herod, Jesus came with the promise of liberation, but that Liberty does not mean we have a license to do as we please. Love must make rules for us in order to be free to serve just as a room has to have walls, so liberty must have boundaries. When my seven year old granddaughter dictated to me the Merry Christmas story. She reminded me, "Grandma, we cannot forget the three wise men." Yes, the wise men of the Epiphany remind us that wise men and wise women still seek Him. For Jesus is the reason of this season and Epiphany.
More Warm Thoughts: When it is dark enough, men see stars. - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Happy epiphany season!
Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner
Published in the Marion Record January 7th, 1999.
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Till next time,
Trina