Epiphany and the tradition of blessing your home...

Today the church celebrates Epiphany when Christ is revealed to the world by the visit of the Magi.  The fact that in the liturgical calandar Epiphany occurs 12 days after Christmas (Jan. 6th) should not cause any confusion what-so-ever.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

In Case You Missed It:

 

House Blessing for Epiphany  

I'll see you all tomorrow - maybe...

Albrecht Dürer 1471 – 1528 The Adoration of the Magi