Epiphany , January 5th, 2026. 415 words

It is Epiphany or the twelve night after Christmas. The creche scene is the first to be wrapped and packed for another year. The figures are six inches in height and hand painted by Aunt Joy for our first Christmas together. Given as a wedding gift from Aunt Joy and Uncle Bob. The small band of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus have been added to in the last thirty five years. There are two cows to keep the baby warm. The Magi number has swelled to five after one of the men took a header off the mantle. A sow and her piglets have a home in this kosher stable. The sky above boards hold twinkling white rice lights. Angels adorn the night over the birthplace of Jesus. Every year, one or more of the angels fall to the earth their light extinguished. A small woods emerges from the corner to protect deer and squirrels. Among the oddities are a beaded girl made by John’s Mom. A wind up Catholic sister that emits sparks from her mouth as she walks. A large stuffed angel that hangs from a hook under the mantle because of her large size.
Of the several trees, one of bisque was given to john cousin Kennan. A light in the stable’s ceiling mimics the starlight glow. Shepherds herd sheep and goats to visit the Christ child. Many of the flock have lost an ear or horn over the years of small hands handling them . The stable itself was made by John, after the family sheltered in the trees.
The camel with a bell around his neck waits in a corner beyond the stable’s walls.
They all make their way to the birth of Our Savior.
They journey across the mantle to the Holy Family for Epiphany. Then it is dismantled, wrapped in tissue paper and lovingly packed away for another year. The memories of many Christmases are stored in that box. I smile to think that some day these gifts will pass to another for creating a new Christmas tradition.”O come, o come Emmanuel.
***. poem
God is with Us
Opening the box , unwrap the figures.
Light the sky with angels and twinkling lights.
Old friends are paired with new additions.
The mantle is crowded with visitors to the stable.
All surround the manger where the baby sleeps.
Memories of that first night mingle with the present.
Make room for Him.
God is with us.
carolaspot@aol.com copyrighted 1/5/2