Happy Three Kings Day!

We enjoyed a procession this afternoon and gifts in honor of the three kings. We moved the breakable nativity set under the tree temporarily. Everyone (except Terri who has a rather nasty case of tonsillitis and decided to just stay near the tree) lined up and had something special to carry. Gus took up the lead with a "star" (a shiny silver costume cloth slung over a broomstick), followed by Frank holding the big doll-like Baby Jesus, Kate and Bernie carrying angels and finally, Ria, John and I each carrying one of the three kings. We processed around the house singing and made our way into the living room where we opened presents. The children exclaimed that this was bigger than Christmas. Which might have been true - such is sometimes the state of finances and after-Christmas sales - but it made things all the more wonderful because we managed to keep that spirit of celebration alive. One part of this that I especially liked is that the kids worked on making presents for each other and those who were so inclined went so far as to make or buy a small present for each of their siblings.

By the way, Katherine at A Living Education has a wonderful exposition on the Manifestations of Christ and how they are traditionally celebrated on January 6th. I think these also serve to shed some light on the recitation of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.