THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
17th January 2026
It was St. Francis of Assisi who established the tradition of the Christmas Crib way back in the 13th century. Perhaps his intention was to bolster the celebration of the Word made flesh with purely Christian symbolism. Hitherto, the tradition of yuletide greenery with festive fires and roistering meant that the Christmas story could easily be eclipsed by pagan custom. The centrality of the Crib functioned as a visible reminder of the truth at the heart of the celebration. It also engaged the imagination so that across centuries and cultures the relatively sparse narratives of Luke and Matthew have been elaborated with incidental characters and details. The Crib at St. Mark's is typical in that it incorporates the ox and the ass, an innkeeper, a shepherd with pipes, a camel and Kings (an elaboration of Matthew's Magi) signifying different cultures and traditions. My own little addition (perhaps not original) is the sheep at the back of the Crib looking resolutely at the Christ-child between the figures of the ox and the ass. This is there to highlight the words of John the Baptist in tomorrow's gospel (John 1.29-42), Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The power of the Crib is not only one of holding our attention in a sentimental manner for a few weeks of the year. It is full of the symbolism which elaborates the whole Christian story. Gold, frankincense and myrrh all have their meaning and like them, the sheep, signifying John's declaration, points to the culminating moment of the Cross which, imaginatively at least, we might see as fashioned from the rough wood of the Manger. We are deep into the season of Epiphany and the appetite for celebration may be sated, but the epiphany (manifestation) of Christ in all his fulness remains rich fare for our nourishment.
Blessings,
Charles Booth
The Pew Sheet with notices and readings is attached.
Further contributions to the Blessing Bin for the Community Larder and donations of underwear (new), toiletries and sanitary products for rough sleepers would be most welcome.
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