Today is Theophany or Epiphany which marks the first day after Christmas. The Christmas decorations should have come down after sunset last night.
Of course for most Christmas is long gone and the silly season had its last gasp at New Year and the decorations if still up are probably looking distinctly tatty by now.
Two things are recalled at Theophany, first and foremost is the Baptism of Our Lord in the river Jordan
This is a good day to remember our own Baptism and if unbaptized a good day to rectify that omission.
The other thing that is remembered today is the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus. This marks the revelation as Christ as God to the gentiles that is the Magi an event which does match with the usual Christmas imagery.
All in all today is far more special than most people realize but at the very least it does mark the end of the Christmas season.
Of course for most Christmas is long gone and the silly season had its last gasp at New Year and the decorations if still up are probably looking distinctly tatty by now.
Two things are recalled at Theophany, first and foremost is the Baptism of Our Lord in the river Jordan Luke 3: 21-22
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
This is a good day to remember our own Baptism and if unbaptized a good day to rectify that omission.
The other thing that is remembered today is the visitation of the Magi to the infant Jesus. This marks the revelation as Christ as God to the gentiles that is the Magi an event which does match with the usual Christmas imagery.
All in all today is far more special than most people realize but at the very least it does mark the end of the Christmas season.
And a very, very big day here in Spain. A bigger day than Christmas Day I would say, well at least for the children since today is when they open their gifts! (from the magians, not that fat bloke in a red suit.)
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