EPIPHANY HOME BLESSING
The
Holy Family welcomed the Magi on Epiphany. There is a beautiful
tradition that has been inspired by this event. Take some chalk and
either have it blessed by your pastor or say your own blessing over it
with your family. Ask God to welcome strangers to your home during the
coming year. Finally write these numbers and letters over the front
door of your home:20 + C + M + B + the last digits of the current year.
The letters represent the traditional names of the Wise Men--Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
MYRRH AND FRANKINCENSE
The gifts brought by the Magi were both
appropriate and expensive. The value of gold is obvious but what of
the other presents? Myrrh is an aromatic substance made from the sap
of Myrtle balsam trees found in India, Africa and Saudi Arabia. It is a
natural antiseptic and useful as a medicine. Egyptians used myrrh for
embalming mummies. It is now used for toothpaste and mouthwash.
Incense is a hardened gum that also comes from trees found in the same areas. The word "Frank" comes from an old French word that means "marked." It is a stamp that the incense is "free" from contaminants or "pure". (Franking is still used for free mail rights given to members of Congress.) Incense was used primarily to cover up the smells caused by animal sacrifices. Hence it was connected with worship.
Incense is a hardened gum that also comes from trees found in the same areas. The word "Frank" comes from an old French word that means "marked." It is a stamp that the incense is "free" from contaminants or "pure". (Franking is still used for free mail rights given to members of Congress.) Incense was used primarily to cover up the smells caused by animal sacrifices. Hence it was connected with worship.
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