Epiphany

January 6th is the time when traditionally the Three Wise Men visited the infant Jesus and in many churches this is the time when they are placed at the crib during Epiphany services. We used to visit Tewkesbury Abbey for their Epiphany Carol Service and today as usual they will be having their annual service where the church is decorated by about 5000 candles with tableau displays of 'Holy Days.' Ironically the theme in 2007 was 'Noah's Ark' and the following July pictures throughout the world showed Tewkesbury Abbey on its little island surrounded by devastating floods. During that time the Abbey became an 'Ark' for hundreds whose homes were flooded and became an icon of hope. The beautiful life size Nativity figures which were stored in the crypt were damaged but the star and baby Jesus were undamaged. An interesting theological message there!

(The photo of Tewkesbury Abbey was taken during the Epiphany service in 2009 with part of our Nativity scene which I blipped today)