While at CSUMB I had to attend a H.U.D. conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico in early January. It was Nancy and my first encounter with King’s Day. It is bigger than Christmas. It is the day children get gifts—left by the 3 Magi. The children put out boxes of hay for the Magi’s camels and in the morning find the hay is gone and in its place presents. It is a national holiday of bright colors and joyous caroling.

At CITF it has provided an opportunity to gather at Seal Beach and lite a bon-fire at sunset. We gather the greens of Advent/Christmas and commemorate the end of the Twelve Day of Christmas. I hope you are planning on attending The Burning of The Greens at 4:50, Sunday, January 9. Our administrator, Adam Hale, has offered to pick up YOUR greens for FREE. Please call the church office (624-1374) or email Adam (adamhale@churchintheforest.org) to arrange the best time for the pickup.

Epiphany, what the church calls the visit of the Magi, signifies Jesus’ physical appearance to the Gentiles. The day has been referred to as Three Kings Day and Little Christmas by both Irish and Amish Christians. In Ireland they also call it Little Christmas Women’s Christmas, because Irish men take on the household duties for the day. Other popular traditions include chalking the door, having one’s house blessed, eating a Three King’s Cake, and a winter swim (which is NOT part of Burning of the Greens). Epiphany concludes the twelve days of Christmas and is the traditional end of the Christmas season.

Join us in worship Sunday AM as we commemorate Epiphany, and at Seal Rock/Bird Rock Beach at 4:50pm for the Burning of the Greens (dress warm!!!).