We are in a deep freeze in NW Arkansas. The snow arrived last night; not much of it in this part of the state, but more elsewhere. When I looked, the temperature was eleven degrees, but it may have dropped lower by now. Streets are slick and hazardous and schools are closed.
This is the twelfth day of Christmas! This is the Feast of the Epiphany, the date celebrated when the wise men from the East found the Lord Jesus. I believe it was not on the night He was born, but it was a few years afterward because the Bible calls Jesus a “young child”, not a baby. I’ve always been fascinated by this story. Men from a far-off country knew more about the prophecies for the King of the Jews than did King Herod. He, of course, was frightened and angry and pretended he wanted to know the location of Jesus so he could worship Him. This was a lie. He wanted to kill the Lord and, just to make sure no one took his kingship away from him, he had all the boy babies two years old and younger, killed. Power! It meant everything to this king but he didn’t live to enjoy it and died a horrible death.
Many people leave up their Christmas trees until the twelfth day because they feel this officially ends the Christmas season. I take my tree down in December, but it is a lovely custom to remember the dedication of the wise men, who were wise in many ways. They knew Herod was a liar, because the Lord told them. So, they returned to their country without seeing the wicked king again.
Remember the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas? I’ve always enjoyed it and used to get such a kick out of seeing a little girl named Sara go through all the motions as she sang the song.
This Epiphany is cold and beautiful, a perfect time for reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior, His life and sacrifice. It’s also a good time to reflect on the meaning of love and family and friends. It’s a time to be grateful for the people I love and those who love me. It is a time to celebrate the miracle of life. All babies are made in the image of God and Jesus was God come to earth to live among us. It’s a thought to carry with me throughout the cold, snowy day.
Blanche, I just read this on this first snowy day in South Carolina! Such encouraging words, thanks!
I met a lady in Walmart that’s named Blanche and I saw a lady that looked like a shorter version of you yesterday! : )
Miss and love all my AR friends,
Fran
Thanks so much for writing, Fran! We miss you too. Hey, you met another Blanche! That’s encouraging,. There aren’t too many of us, you know! It’s still cold here this morning, very cold, but the snow has gone for now. Stay safe and well.