Celebrating Epiphany with Spiritual Gifts

Peter Fournier and Catherine Fournier

Catherine Fournier

Coming as it does at the first of the New Year, Epiphany is an opportunity to recognise what the coming of the Messiah means for the world. The gift of Our Saviour brings new hope to us all. He is the fulfillment of prophecy, the gift of Our loving Father, the bringer of unlimited graces for those who believe and trust in Him.

We receive these gifts from the Holy Spirit and the Christ Child throughout the year. Why not include a celebration of these gifts in our celebration of Epiphany?

This simple tradition brings the spiritual gifts of the Christ Child to life for the family, and helps the little ones learn how closely our spiritual life touches our material lives.

Cut out brightly coloured shapes in cardboard or construction paper in the shape of stars, crown, camels or whatever imagination suggests that is reminiscent of the Wise Men.

On each piece write a word or phrase. These could virtues such as faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience. Phrases could suggest quality of souls such as cheerfulness, simplicity, open-heartedness, or simplicity.

Put all the pieces into a basket or jar, and mix them up well. At evening prayers, after the family has said a short prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide their choice, let every family member pick out a card. They should not look while they are choosing, their choice should be 'random.' What each person gets will be a surprise and a delight!

Throughout the remainder of the year, the recipients should remember and exercise their particular gifts in the work of daily living. Perhaps the cards could stay at the family altar, or be stuck under the casing of a doorway or window, or decorate the mirror of each person's bedroom. Somewhere where it might be seen and noticed each day.

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