My short version of my walk with the Lord:

I was raised in a home where faith in God was not relevant; however, my grandparents were serious Southern Baptists and during the parts of my childhood that I spent with them I learned about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I was baptized as a child, but I had little understanding what that really meant. I was baptized on my grandparents’ anniversary as much for them as for myself. When I met my future husband, he had been raised in a Christian home but was disconnected in that way college kids sometimes are. However, after we married and quickly became parents (our first son was born two weeks before our first anniversary), we knew we wanted to raise him to have faith in Jesus. So I became a Lutheran. I had a few issues with doctrine, but I’ve never been a big adherent to doctrines – the Bible is my guide. All this to say that since then, I’ve been on a journey to grow in Faith and in my relationship with Christ.

This year, I am going to highlight some practices that are helping me grow in Faith. January 6th is Epiphany, so in this new year, this is a good place to start. This is the 12th day of Christmas, regardless of what TikTok thinks (ugh the 12 days of Christmas gifts videos).  If you’re looking for scripture about the Magi, check out Matthew 2:1-12.

As the Lutheran Witness recommends, “Gather your family and friends to celebrate, put on a rich meal, sing a few carols, light candles marking the coming of Jesus’ light, and read the story of the Wise Men. To follow Christian tradition, consider serving a King Cake baked with a baby Jesus figurine or bean hidden inside, recalling the joy and surprise of the Gospel itself — a King who hides Himself in humility amongst humankind. Other customs called for on this day include drinking spiced wassail, partaking in a house blessing, and the associated chalking of the door.”

There are several traditions that add to the celebration:

• King Cake: a sweet crown for the Christ Child, celebrating His kingship and the joy of His manifestation to the nations.
• Star bread: to remember the Star of Bethlehem that led the Magi to Christ, the light of the world.
• Citrus fruit: signs of light and abundance, echoing the brightness of revelation.
• Spiced wassail: a toast of gladness marking the close of Christmas, the beginning of Epiphany and the warmth of fellowship in Christ.
• Candles: to symbolize the light that shines in the darkness and will not be overcome.
• Chalk: for chalking the door with the Epiphany blessing, marking your home with Christ’s name and inviting His presence for the year ahead.
• Incense: recalling the Magi’s gift of frankincense and symbolizing prayers rising to heaven.

If you’d like to participate in blessing your house, you could invite your pastor over, or you could pray something like this, “Bless, O Lord God almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness and mercy, the fulfillment of Thy law, the thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein.” A related tradition is to chalk mark over your door, 20 + C + M + B + 26 (Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar).

Want to make a King Cake? I am making a mini version from Wild Thistle Kitchen.

And because King Cake makes me think of NOLA, I am making chicken and sausage gumbo for dinner! Try this recipe.

Grace and Peace to you all in 2026!