Word & Table Merry Christmas!
Dec 25, 2025
Fr. Stephen Gauthier, Canon Theologian of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest, shares insightful Christmas traditions. He elaborates on the significance of the Twelve Days of Christmas and engaging Epiphany customs like the 'king's cake.' The theological importance of the Magi's gifts is discussed, revealing their connection to Christ's kingship. Fr. Alex highlights family practices around St. Nicholas Day that teach generosity, while the hymn 'Good King Wenceslas' serves as a model for charity. It's a heartwarming dive into the spirit of the season!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Celebrate Christmas As Twelve Days
- The church historically treats major feasts as extended celebrations spanning multiple days rather than a single date.
- Fr. Stephen connects Christmas through Epiphany as a unified twelve-day observance ending Jan 6.
Epiphany Cake With A Hidden Bean
- Fr. Stephen recounts European Epiphany customs like the French cake with a bean that names a 'king' for the day.
- He describes the playful royal ritual where the winner's toast is announced as "the king drinks."
Shift Festivity Toward Post-Christmas
- Contemporary culture front-loads festivities before Dec 25 and then drops them, while the church historically extends celebration after Christmas.
- Fr. Stephen suggests shifting festive emphasis into the post-Christmas season to spread the holiday load.