This presentation aims to introduce children at KS1 to the concept of Incarnation in Christianity.
This presentation aims to introduce children at KS1 to the concept of Incarnation in Christianity.
This presentation aims to introduce KS2 children to the concept of Incarnation in Christianity.
This presentation aims to help students investigate the idea of God through study of a key text, the Nicene Creed.
This presentation aims to introduce children at KS1 to the concept of Forgiveness in Christianity.
This presentation aims to introduce children at KS2 to the concept of Forgiveness in Christianity.
1st January 2025
Christian
This day celebrates the circumcision or naming of Jesus at eight days old in accordance with Jewish custom, as recorded in Luke 2:21.
6th January 2025
Christian (Anglican and Roman Catholic)
This is the ‘twelfth day of Christmas’, but in the Church calendar the Epiphany season lasts until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The festival commemorates the first two occasions on which, according to Christian belief, Jesus’ divinity was manifested: when the three kings (also known as the wise men or Magi) visited the infant Jesus in Bethlehem, bearing symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; and when John the Baptist baptised Jesus in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany; the Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism.
Epiphany means manifestation or showing forth. It is also called Theophany (manifestation of God), especially by Orthodox Christians. Some Orthodox churches consider Jesus’ baptism to be the first step towards the crucifixion. The liturgical colour for the Epiphany season is white.
In many parts of Europe, the celebration of Epiphany is at least as important as the celebration of Christmas. While in England and her historical colonies the custom has long been to give gifts on Christmas Day itself, in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, Christians exchange gifts on Three Kings’ Day – the day on which the Wise Men brought their gifts to the Christ Child.
In some European countries, such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, children dress as the three kings and visit houses. In their roles as the kings, or wise men, they sing about the birth of Jesus and pay homage to the ‘king of kings’. They are rewarded with praise and cookies.
‘Dia de los Reyes Magos’ is the Latin American celebration of Epiphany, where it is the three wise men and not Santa Claus who bring gifts. Children write letters to the wise men telling them how good they have been and what gifts they want. In France ‘Le Jour des Rois’ (the Day of Kings), sometimes called the ‘Fête des Rois’, is celebrated with parties both for children and for adults. The ‘galette des rois’, or cake of kings, highlights these celebrations. This cake is round and flat, cut in the pantry, covered with a white napkin and carried into the dining room.
Children in Spain often fill their shoes with straw or grain (for the three kings’ horses to eat) and place them on balconies or by the front door on Epiphany Eve. The next day they find cookies, sweets or gifts in their place. In many Spanish cities the ‘three kings’ make an entry on Epiphany Eve, accompanied by military bands and drummers in medieval dress. Some countries in the Mediterranean welcome the ‘magic wise men’ who arrive by boat, bearing presents for children.
The gift of gold was the gift people usually gave to their King. By offering gold they were recognising Jesus as their King. The second gift, frankincense, is a white gum from a tree which, when hardened, will burn giving off a fragrant smell. It was burnt as an offering to God during worship, used as a medicine and a perfume. The third gift, myrrh, also a gum from a thorny tree, was used for healing wounds because it is an antiseptic that soothes redness and relieves pain, and so acts as a symbol of future suffering.
Epiphany is the day when some say that all Christmas decorations should be taken down, since otherwise bad luck will follow.
Matthew 21:1-12.
6th January 2025
Christian Orthodox – Julian calendar
At Theophany Orthodox Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist; they recall how at this event the heavens were opened and a voice was heard proclaiming Jesus, while God’s spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. During this event God was manifest as three persons in one – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ‘Theophany’ means ‘Manifestation of God’. The first miracle of Jesus, performed at Cana in Galilee, is also remembered at this time.
2nd February 2025
Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic)
This is often called Candlemas from the custom of congregations holding lighted candles during the celebration in church. It records the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and his recognition by the aged Simeon, expressed in the words of the Nunc Dimittis. The festival was formerly known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary – reflecting Mary’s following of Jewish tradition after the birth of a son.
Luke 2:22-38.
4th March 2025
Christian (Western Churches)
Commonly known as Pancake Day, this is the day before the start of Lent. Traditionally it is a day for repentance and absolution in preparation for Lent (‘shrive’ means to receive or make confession). Pancakes were originally made to use up all the rich foods, such as butter and eggs, before Lent. In some parts of the world people celebrate Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) by holding carnivals.