Twelfth NightIdeas1
Twelfth Night Ideas
by Jackie Harper
“TwelfthNight”celebrates the coming of Epiphany and concludes the 12 days between Christmas Day and Epiphany Day (January 6).It is celebrated on the eve of the Epiphany, January 5. Epiphany celebrates the coming of the magi to Bethlehem, where they present gifts to the baby Jesus.
Following are some ideas for celebrating Twelfth Night. You might consider planning a potluck supper for all generations as part of your celebrations.
“12 Days of Christmas” Singing
Invite your group to create and sing their own version of the “12 Days of Christmas” carolbased on the gifts God has given, Bible stories, or any theme you choose.For example:
On the first day of Christmas
we celebrate God’s gifts:
a baby in a manger.
On the second day of Christmas
we celebrate God’s gifts:
two testaments
and a baby in a manger.
Some other examples:
three wise men
four gospel stories
five loaves of bread
six days creating
aseventh day for resting
eight sons of Jesse
nine Beatitudes
Ten Commandments
eleven stars a-bowing (Genesis 37:9)
twelve disciples
1.Give each group one of the days to write a verse about. Ask them to write the verse in large print on flipchart paper, or type them into a computer connected to a projector.
2.When all the verses are ready, hang the flipchart sheets or project the verses so everyone can see them.
3.As you sing the carol, each group pops up at their day, with everyone joining in singing the verses for the previous days.
The Coming of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12)
The magi were from a different country and a different culture, and they practised a different religion.We’re not sure of true number of magi but traditionally we assume three because they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.The maji travelled a long distance at a time when travel was long and difficult, and the stars were used to help find the way.
After you read the Bible story, invite some wondering and discussion:
- What would you bring as a gift to the baby Jesus or his parents?
- How would you know which star to follow?
- How would itfeel to follow the stars?
- What would it belike to see Jesus?
Chalking the Door Liturgy
See “An Epiphany Blessing of Homes and Chalking the Door” at “Services and Liturgies” in the left bar, then go to “Advent-Christmas-Epiphany.” Or Google “chalking the door” for other blessings and more background information around this custom.
Blessing the home for the new year is a custom in some countries. Marking the entrance with chalk symbolizes our invitation to God to enter and bless our homes.
Consider using the blessing with your congregation to mark your church’s doorways. You could also give the liturgy to people to bless their homes.
Closing
Close by singing one of the carols that celebrate the magi, such as“The First Nowell” (Voices United 91).
© 2008 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit Any copy must include this notice.