1-06-2026 6:30pm

The Epiphany

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE EPIPHANY

As I write this week's newsletter, people around the world are celebrating the Epifania. That's Italian for the Epiphany. It's the 12th Day of Christmas.

In Christianity, this is the manifestation of a supernatural or divine reality. In the Western Church, The Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Christ to the Magi, popularly known as the three wise men, and to all Gentiles, or non-Jews. In the Eastern Church, the Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus and the revelation of his divinity. The Feast of the Epiphany is considered the twelfth and final day of the Christmas celebration. For this reason, it is sometimes called Twelfth Day. Many Christians observe the Epiphany as the end of the Christmas season, and it is traditional to leave up Christmas decorations until this day. Mine are still up. In some places, the Feast of the Epiphany is considered to mark the start of Carnival season—the period of feasting and merriment before Lent.

The Epiphany is a beautiful time to reflect on our lives. It can be a good time to be still and take some time in solitude. Epiphany is derived from the Greek word “epiphaneia,” meaning “manifestation.” Before Christmas was its own holiday, the early Christian church established the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 to commemorate several miraculous events that “manifested” Jesus’ divinity: his virgin birth, the visitation of the Three Wise Men (also called the Three Kings or the Magi), his baptism and when he turned water into wine at the Wedding of Cana.

By the early fourth century, the church set aside December 25 for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, known as Nativity, and kept Epiphany on January 6. Over the centuries, as Christianity separated into western and eastern branches, two distinct lines of tradition developed. Western churches celebrated Epiphany as the day that the Magi visited the infant Jesus. Meanwhile, Eastern Orthodox churches associated the holiday, which they call Theophany, with Jesus’ baptism, when he was “manifested” as both fully human and fully divine.

Feasts and home blessings are common Epiphany customs. Some cultures "chalk the door" on Twelfth Night as a way to sanctify houses and publicly declare their Christian faith. The chalk symbols include the year and the letters C, M and B for “Christus mansionem benedicat,” a Latin phrase meaning “May Christ bless this house.”

May Christ bless your home on this Epiphany. I wish you blessings of love, joy, peace, and hope in the New Year, 2026.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and beyond, living in our faith can give our life new meaning.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

I love Hollywood, especially old-time glamour. My pick of the week is The Golden Globe Awards that air this Sunday, January 11, 2026. Check your local listings for time and channel. And the winner is?

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was watching the supermoon rise Sunday evening along the south shore of Long Island. It was magical as it hung over the landscape. Bella Luna!

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As we celebrate the Epiphany, may you grace us all with your love and compassion as we enter into a New Year with hope and anticipation of your glory. Amen.

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SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Let's celebrate a King is Born.

Italian: Festeggiamo la nascita di un re.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP

As a new year begins, bring more into your home to create a feeling of comfort. Winter is a good time to get cozy surrounded by the things you love. Don't be afraid to mix styles, colors, and patterns. The trend this year is more is more!

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SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How will you begin this New Year?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under my post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE YEAR - HIGHER GROUND BY ROBERT PLANT WITH SAVING GRACE

LYRICS

Mary weeped over me
Mary weeped over me
Turned on a dime, said to me
"When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me"
Saul told Daniel, "Come play for me"
Saul told Daniel, "Come pray for me
Trouble in mind won't let me be
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me"
Rock in hand won't let you be
Rock in hand won't let you be
It's the open hand will set you free
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me
Coal man say he's got a deal for me
Coal man say he's got a deal for me
That black gold a-chokin' me
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me
Shackle and chain can't settle me
Shackle and chain can't settle me
Been strung up on a dogwood tree
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me
Gilded cage (gilded cage, gilded cage) is a treachery
Gilded cage (gilded cage, gilded cage) is a treachery
Heart of gold (gold, gold, gold, gold) that holds the key
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me
When you reach for the higher rock
Then you will reach for me

MY MONTHLY VLOG RECORDED LIVE ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

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