[La Enchiladita]

Have yourself a merry "Little Christmas."

[NZerFromHK]

I have never heard such things. Perhaps this shows my closeness to non-denominational and Baptist churches?

[DocRock]

ON LIVE NOW

[La Enchiladita]

Ping to the topic and post#4

[DocRock]

I forgot to mention that I think the live streaming video is supposed to repeat as soon as the ceremonies end. The liturgy this AM was a beautiful service with good explanations by commentators in English. This live stream is being broadcast to 177 countries by web and satellite with approximately 350 to 400 million viewers right now. Enjoy!

[La Enchiladita]

"Little Christmas"

Little Christmas or Nollaig Bheag in the Irish language, is one of the traditional names in Ireland and Italy for January 6, more commonly known as the Epiphany. It is so called because it was, until the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, the day on which Christmas Day was celebrated. It is the traditional end of the Christmas season and the last day of the Christmas holidays for both Primary and Secondary schools.

It is also known as Women's Christmas (Nollaig na mBan) It is so called because of the tradition (still strong in Cork, though only just surviving in the rest of the country) of Irish men taking on all the household duties on that day and giving their spouses a day off.

(from wikipedia)

[MrsEmmaPeel]

12th Night is January 6.

[Salvation]

Here's another thread with information about the Epiphany and the lead up from Christmas through the Epiphany to the Baptism of the Lord.

Catholic Caucus: The 16 Days of Christmas (Christmas to the Baptism of the Lord)

[Salvation]

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

 

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

My birth was marked by a beautiful phenomenon in the heavens that attracted even the attention of three wise men from pagan lands. A star shone brightly and provided them with light and direction for their distant travel. I, the light of the world had come from above and even the stars shone with great beauty paying homage to the one who gave them light.

By divine inspiration the three wise men were moved to make the long journey from different lands, they prepared themselves with gifts to welcome me, the king of the Jews. They were not Jews and yet they were humble men who paid special attention to the signs and the divine inspirations given to them.

I was born in utter poverty, my mother and Joseph had looked for a place to spend that night of my birth but there was no place for us. Humanity was as cold on that night as it is today. Charity was denied to the mother of the savior of the world, and it was denied to me as well. It continues to be denied daily everywhere.

However some humble people were advised of my birth. So the shepherds of the area were visited by the angel of God with good news about the birth of the savior of the world, they came to worship, paid their respects and left full with joy and praise to God, they communicated the events to all those worthy to know.

The wise men also came to present gifts of incense, myrrh and gold which were most fitting for the king they had came to worship. The incense represents the faith which embrace all those who follow me, the myrrh represent the balm for the man of suffering that they unknowingly came to pay homage to. The gold, the most precious of metals was the offering made to the king of kings who came to offer the kingdom of heaven to every man.

And so started my epiphany, a manifestation of my presence among men. I came to my people, but from the very beginning I experienced rejection.

Herod was afraid of the new born king. He thought that I would be a powerful king that would bring about his fall, that is why he started plotting to kill me. The people of Jerusalem, the Jews were afraid in their ignorance, because they had conditioned their religion to reflect human laws not the law of God. They were facing a divine moment in their history and they were not prepared to meet me. In fact they were so jealous of me that in the end they put me to death.

But my Heavenly Father had disposed of my incarnation, so the word took flesh and came to speak, to give light, instruction, testimony of God and to redeem what was lost.

My work continues in every soul.

Open your heart dear child. I am the word of God, speaking to your heart. I have come to the world in the flesh. My spirit is everywhere, touching hearts, calling lovingly to accept my invitation to a perfect life.

Live by my gospel of salvation, eat the bread that I give, put all your confidence in me and I will save you.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary