Epiphany (from the Koine Greek: ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia,
meaning “manifestation”, “striking appearance”)
Today is one of my most favorite days of the liturgical calendar: Epiphany. In the Christian tradition, this is a time to remember the Wise Men who followed the star and found God in the most unlikely of places: a stable.
In my local congregation, the tradition of Epiphany is to follow the lead of the Magi (the wise men) seeking the Divine in the poor and those in need of shelter. We do so by bringing gifts of warm coats, hats, scarves, gloves, disposable razors, and bus passes to the homeless shelter.
Gifts brought for the homeless shelter.
These are brought forward to the chancel during the final hymn of the service. And then taken to the homeless shelter.
Wise men know to seek God among the poor.
OuttaSiteOuttaMind 
i like that the giving is part of the service! makes it seem worshipful. which i think it is. –kris
I added a video clip so you can see how it functioned in the service.
yay! going to check it out now.
I like that and an idea I will be borrowing.
It is a wonderful tradition, and one worth spreading! I’ve added a very short video clip so you can see how it functioned in the service.
great video! thank you for adding it. i love seeing god’s heart for his people shared through his people. xo –kris
Lovely analogy of everything God gives us by sight and sense that we have a Savior ever so near!!
Yes, I’d never been to a church which celebrated Epiphany this way before. I love it. It mades the feast day so much more meaningful.