The Three Kings

The Eleventh & Twelfth Days of Christmas: Today we celebrate Epiphany, the day the Three Kings from the East paid homage to the new baby Jesus.  For many years, this church feast was celebrated on January 6th.  Bishops have the option of celebrating certain Holydays on the Sunday closest to the feast.  Thus, today is the celebration.

The entire Nativity Set at Cathedral of Christ the King, Lexington, KY, January 5, 2013: The three kings are in the foreground.  A shepherd is holding a sheep on the right.  The Blessed Virgin Mary is in the center with an Angel behind her.  The other figures, Joseph, baby Jesus, the ox and the third king, are hidden in this view.

Two of the kings bow before the baby King, Jesus.

The third king kneels to worship Jesus.

It is significant that after the kings, or astrologers, or Wise Men, found Jesus, worshiped him,  and presented their gifts to the new family, they went home a different way than they came.  One or more of them had a dream telling them to do this because the ruler, Herod, sought to destroy the child.  In addition to the Biblical account of Herod's soldiers killing all male children under the age of two, history records this.  

Then an angel came to Joseph, Jesus foster-father, and told him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod's soldiers. Thus ends our Nativity Account.

Mother Mary gazes at her new baby, Jesus.

The frisky little fellow has kicked off his blanket!

After Mass, large groups of children came on the altar to see the Nativity.  They touched various figures, especially the Baby Jesus.  You could see their parents or grandparents telling them who the various characters were.  And a few snapped photos.

It was good to be in church today with all the dozens of red poinsettias, the lighted Christmas trees, and the wreaths with red bows in evidence everywhere.  There seemed to be a larger than ever attendance.  It's so good to see friends every week!  And we got to sing, with gusto, our favorite Christmas carols for the last time this season.  Good-bye, Christmas!

Even though, if we already haven't done so, we'll be storing all the decorations and lights this coming week, can we keep the smiles and glow of Christmas in our hearts? Lord, challenge us and help us to keep the loving spirit in our hearts for this entire year 2014!