The Adoration of the Magi, Bernardino Luini, 1520-1525, The Louvre Paris, France On entering the house, (the Magi) knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 Epiphany, the visitation and adoration of the Magi, provides a bookend for the Christmas season. Luke begins the story we read on December 24-25 with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem manger, the announcement of the angels and

Nativity and Annunciation to the Shepherds, Bernardino Luini, 1520-1532 The Louvre, Paris Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah the Lord. This will b

Nativity Scenes from Home So (the shepherds) went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. Luke 2:16 At Christmas we decorate the house with a tree, drape garland, and make the house festive. Many homes display a Nativity Scene. Traditionally the most appropriate place to set the scene up is under the Christmas tree to show that amongst all the gifts we give to each other, Jesus is God's gift to us. Pictured are two Nativity Scenes we have at