Epiphany

Today is Epiphany, a day celebrated in the Christian tradition when the three kings were to have visited the infant Christ child.  I started out the day singing "We Three Kings" to myself. "O star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light."  I also used this day to reflect on the more secular concept of epiphany. Merriam-Webster lists several definitions for epiphany, including "a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way" and "an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking." I am a strong believer in intuition.  I listen to my inner voice for all things and find that it has been "spot on" over and over again.  I have learned through trial and error that it is well worth it for me to listen and heed its wise messages, even when they seem unclear or strange to someone else. More than ever, 2014 will be a year of listening to my inner voice and keeping watch for those epiphanies that are surely to come my way.  Those stars of wonder, stars of light are surely to serve as the guide. 

12 Days of Christmas

It made me sad that Christmas seemed to end so abruptly this year.  All of a sudden, there were no more Christmas carols on the radio.  As early as Christmas evening, the Christmas television shows and movies were replaced by the normal fare.  Then, at church last Sunday, our deacon reminded the congregation that Christmas continues for 12 more days after December 25 in the Christian faith, concluding with Epiphany on January 6.  In fact, according to our deacon, December 25 is when Christmas begins.  So, today, if we follow the lyrics to "The Twelve Days of Christmas," we're into Christmas Day #9, when the day would be celebrated by nine ladies dancing.  Thinking about "The Twelve Days of Christmas" reminded me of a hilarious program on that theme that I saw on television as a child.  I've only seen it once since then, but it tickled me as much then as it had when I was a little girl.  As I recall, the program was absent of audio except for the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  An overly enthusiastic lover showers his true love with the partridges, lords a'leaping, pipers piping, etc. until she is completely overwhelmed by her gifts.  I don't expect to be showered with nine ladies dancing today, but I am heartened to know that Christmas still lives on for a few more days and then must reside in my heart the rest of the year.