Christmastide & Epiphany
at Redeemer
Christmastide is a season set apart to focus on the Incarnation, that the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The twelve day season begins on Christmas day, also called, ‘The Nativity.’
The Twelve Days of Christmas & Epiphany
The Feast of the Nativity, 12/25
The word Christmas originates from the Middle English word, Cristemasse, meaning Christ’s Mass.
We will gather at our usual 5:00pm time for a Christmas day Eucharist service. Children will all be included in the sanctuary with the adults—there will be no nursery or children’s classes.
The First Sunday of Christmas, The Feast of St. Stephen, 12/26
Stephen is considered the first deacon of the Church, and a martyr. The account of Stephen is found in Acts 7. This day is set apart to recognize the charitable spirit of deacons, and to join them in acts of service. The day traditionally included giving leftovers from Christmas festivities to the poor. You might want to make cookies for someone without a home or participate in serving at a pantry or soup kitchen.
Get together with a few friends and sign up to serve food to the poor with the Rescue Mission this year.
Baptism of our Lord, First Sunday after Epiphany, 1/8
On this day the Church recalls Christ’s second epiphany at his baptism in the River Jordan. In the Eastern Church this feast is called Theophany because at the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan God appeared in three persons.
We’ll gather for service at our usual 5:00pm time.
The Feast of St. John, 12/27
St. John is remembered as an evangelist whose gospel account specifically focuses on the Incarnation, declaring, “The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” He is referred to as the ‘beloved’ disciple.
The Feast of the Holy Innocents, 12/28
This day commemorates the children killed by Herod, as it is written in Matthew 2:1-18. This is an occasion to pray for children who die unjustly—abortion, war, abuse. Though this remembrance is somber, in many traditions The Holy Innocents is a day of fun, dancing and crafting, for children.
Feast of the Circumcision and Holy Name of our Lord, 1/1
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” This eighth day of Christmas is known as the “Octave of the Nativity” which alludes to the sense of completion in Jesus being given the name given to Mary by Gabriel.
We’ll gather for service at our usual 5:00pm time.
Epiphany, 1/6
Epiphany, also called ‘Three Kings Day,’ marks the conclusion of the Christmas season and corresponds with the visit of the Magi to Jesus. On Epiphany, we celebrate the gospel proclaimed to the nations/gentiles, that the light of the world has come to us and now we are sent out as witnesses to the light.
We will observe this day with a noonday mass in person in the church followed by a party on Saturday, 1/7.
At the party we celebrate by burning our Christmas trees, creating a massive light in the darkness night. We also have Three Kings Cake and sing together. Bring your Christmas tree to add to our bonfire!