Author: Cathy Cunningham

What’s With the Funny Hats? According to Eric Vanden Eykel’s research (from his book, The Magi), depictions of the Magi have always shown them in distinctive hats. Historians tell us that in Roman art, the “Phrygian cap” was a popular way of indicating that the depicted person was from somewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean region.… Continue reading Advent 2023- 12/6/23

Imagining the Call Barbara Brown Taylor (an Episcopal priest and writer) imagines the call of the Magi in her book, Home by Another Way. “Once upon a time there were three – yes, three – very wise men who were all sitting in their own countries minding their own business when a bright star lodged… Continue reading Advent 2023- 12/5/23

The Tradition of Befana In Italy, an Epiphany gift-giving tradition called “Befana” includes the figure of a woman named Befana. The story goes that the Magi, following the Star and on their way to find the Christ Child, stayed one night at the home of a hard-working older woman, Befana. She took excellent care of… Continue reading Advent 2023- 12/4/23

Sometimes, the hardest part of a journey is having the courage to begin. It requires both faith and hope. Matthew 2:1-6 (New American Bible) When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?… Continue reading Advent 2023- 12/3/23

The Biblical story of the Magi has fascinated people for centuries, drawing us in with its mystery and unanswered questions. Advent is an appropriate time to consider the Magi and what their story can teach us.