Diocese of Peterborough
Why did we do a 'Living Ephipany'?
The idea came mainly from two sources:
a) Our experience of various versions of 'Living Nativity' several years ago. Those who found it most rewarding were those who had parts to play.
b) For many years a Dutch friend has lent our church her extensive Crib, which has all manner of figures making their way towards the stable to worship the baby. This provided the inspiration for a journey in which anyone could take part.
As for many of our activities, the villages of Glaston & Bisbrooke worked closely together to prepare for this event. Our aim was to incorporate some of the traditions and customs surrounding the Epiphany story to create something in which everyone could play a part and experience the excitement and mystery of the journey to Bethlehem.
What did we do to make our "Living Epiphany"?
• We gathered together in the churchwarden’s home at 10.30am where we made our star and crowns and the children dressed up. Everyone put together a little gift box.
• Everyone was invited to think what ‘gift’ they might put into their box to take to the crib (a talent like music, sport, cooking or laughter, kindness etc) then we sang a hymn.
• We walked around the village stopping at 4 pre-arranged places where we enquired about a new baby. We used a Sat-Nav and a compass to help us find the places (tried to at least).
• At each place we visited, we sang as we arrived and left (see Hymn sheet) and gave a blessing 20+C+M+B+08‘ to put on the door. The letters stand for Caspar, Melchior & Balthazar and also Christus Mansionem Benedicat – May Christ bless this house.
• ‘Bethlehem’ was the church where a family with a new baby were waiting.
• We gave our ‘gifts’, had a short reading and prayers then everyone collected their boxes again to receive some gifts – a jelly baby representing Christ’s birth (idea from Rona’s edible cribs!), a chocolate Santa to represent all the good things we get at Christmas, a mini-egg to remind us that what God gave was new life and also to make a link with Easter.
• Refreshments afterwards included Kings’ Cake and the 2 people who had a bit of cherry in their piece were given crowns and told they could act like queens for the day!
• Everything finished by noon.
Who took part?
There were children and adults, villagers, visitors and friends – about 30 of us in all – some dressed up, some didn’t; some had been asked to play a specific part, some just turned up on the day. Most importantly everyone who came was a participant.
With the benefit of experience … !
• Although there was far less work involved than for most Christmas activities, there were some essential preparations – main characters, locations, find family with baby (the most difficult – we had to import a grandchild), blessings printed (& blue-tack), cake.
• It really doesn’t matter if it doesn’t go smoothly but be prepared to think quickly – the person briefed at the Local was down the cellar changing barrels or something so we had to improvise.
• Be prepared for rain – we discovered bright umbrellas add to the effect of the procession.
• Plain Madeira cake with one cherry works well as a King’s Cake (our cherry got cut in half, hence 2 queens!)
• Plan a route that is possible for everyone – not too long, too rough or too steep - and although it’s not intended to attract spectators, it doesn’t hurt if you’re seen passing.
• Times will be approximate – at ‘Home 2’ biscuits were handed round, a lovely gesture that added to the experience but also added a good 5 minutes.
• If you are working to a time-scale like ours, have boxes prepared ready for completion. Take one from us to use as a model. (We found written instructions too complicated!)
We will be pleased to e-mail copies of our hymn sheet, instructions, house blessing etc or give any further details, if you send a request to glastongrange.sue@btinternet.com. We’d love to hear from anyone who has done or plans to do anything similar – how about a night-time journey?
June 2008
Our visit to Peterfest by Scarlett, aged 10