Epiphany © Jan L. Richardson
With Advent always being such an intense time, it comes as a gift and a relief that Christmas is not over on December 25. Brief though it may be, with just twelve days, the Christmas season offers a lovely opportunity to linger with the Christmas story and to take a deep breath before diving into the year ahead.
Christmas ends, of course, with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6. It’s Epiphany Eve as I write this, and I wanted to offer this final post for this season of The Advent Door and wish you a blessed Epiphany. Thank you for journeying with me through Advent and Christmas this year. It is always a gift to have your company on the path through these days.
I would be delighted to continue to have your company as I return to my blog The Painted Prayerbook, where I’ll be offering new reflections and art throughout the coming year. I have a new post in celebration of Epiphany and hope you’ll visit; you can find it here:
Epiphany: Blessing for Those Who Have Far to Travel
There’s also a wonderful tradition, rooted in Ireland, of celebrating Epiphany as Women’s Christmas. In honor of the occasion, I’ve posted a reflection at my Sanctuary of Women blog. The reflection includes a link to a special mini-retreat that I’ve designed for you to use for Women’s Christmas—or whenever you’re in need of a break! You can download the retreat as a PDF (at no cost), and I’m happy for you to share it with friends. The retreat, which includes reflections and artwork, can be engaged in a single day or spread out over a number of days. You might select a reflection or two for conversation over a cuppa with friends on Women’s Christmas! Click the image or title below to visit the Women’s Christmas post.
Thank you again for walking through The Advent Door with me. I look forward to returning when Advent approaches again. Until then, I hope to cross paths with you at The Painted Prayerbook. Merry Epiphany to you, and a Happy New Year!
[To use the “Epiphany” image, please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Advent Door possible. Thank you!]
An Illuminated Joy
January 5, 2012 at 4:00 pm |
Unbelievable! I’m leaving in 20 hrs. to lead an Epiphany retreat for 18 of us at our church retreat center in the Adirondacks. This just came to my inbox. I’m tempted to throw my stuff out and take this for everyone!! Crazy Spirit is working again. Thank you, creative Jan, for blessing me/us in so many unknown ways!
January 5, 2012 at 10:14 pm |
Thanks, Jan! Crazy Spirit indeed. Don’t throw out your stuff!
Many blessings as you prepare for the retreat; may you and your group have a wondrous Epiphany. Sending prayers and much gratitude your way. Thank you for the gift of your words.
January 6, 2012 at 9:12 pm |
Jan, Are we automatically signed up for The Painted Prayerbook? I’d like to read and see your work each week. Bless you.
January 12, 2012 at 1:49 pm |
Thanks, Kimberly! I appreciate your asking. Folks who subscribed to The Advent Door are not automatically signed up for the other blog, but it’s easy to take care of this. I’ve been making some updates to The Painted Prayerbook, and am now able to offer a subscription by email there. If you’ll go to The Painted Prayerbook, you’ll find a spot near the top of the sidebar where it says “Subscribe by Email.” Same process as with The Advent Door—just enter your email address there, and also respond to the confirmation email, and you’ll be all set.
Thank you for traveling through Advent and Christmas with me. I look forward to sharing the coming year with you. Thanks again, and many blessings to you!