Image: Wise Women Also Came © Jan L. Richardson
Happy New Year and Merry (almost) Epiphany! In celebration, these three wise women are stopping by with a gift for you. You might know that some folks celebrate Epiphany (January 6) as Women’s Christmas. Originating in Ireland, where it is known as Nollaig na mBan, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women set aside time to enjoy a break and celebrate together at the end of the holidays.
It’s become a tradition for me to create a new retreat each year that you can use on Women’s Christmas or whenever you need a space of respite and reflection. The retreat, which you can download as a PDF, offers readings, art, and blessings that invite you to listen to your life. This year’s retreat explores the theme of thresholds, those betwixt and between places that emerge when we have left what was familiar but have not arrived at what lies ahead. Sometimes chaotic but full of possibility, thresholds are a great place to pray, imagine, and dream. The retreat is designed to help you do this.
There’s no cost for the retreat; it’s a Women’s Christmas gift especially for you! You can do the retreat alone or share it with friends. For a link to the retreat and more about Women’s Christmas, visit this page at my Sanctuary of Women blog:
Women’s Christmas: Illuminating the Threshold
I’d love for you to pass along the gift by sharing the link with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, or any other way you’re connected.
Blessings to you as the new year begins, and Merry Women’s Christmas!
P.S. Our festive Advent discount on annual subscriptions to the Jan Richardson Images site continues through Epiphany/January 6! An annual subscription enables you to download any images for use in worship during the year. Advent rate: $125 (regularly $165). Visit Subscribe to Jan Richardson Images.
[To use the Wise Women Also Came image, please visit this page at Jan Richardson Images.]
January 2, 2015 at 3:48 PM |
Jan…I think of you often and continue to pray for you too. On New Years Eve I asked a friend if she also knew you and your wonderful words and art and she, like me, raved about you! It was the kind of raving that held enormous gratefulness, and an awareness of God’s grace and tenderness to us through you. We both have experienced significant losses as well, and we so appreciate the way you have carried your grief so generously in the context of community, thereby benefitting and bringing comfort to many. Thank you for your faithfulness.
Thanks also for the lovely gift of this retreat for Women’s Christmas. You are God’s gift to us.
God’s rich blessings on your New Year,
Bev. Wilson
January 5, 2015 at 10:18 PM |
Bev, thank you so much! Your words are a tremendous gift, and I am grateful. Thank you also for your thoughts and prayers; they are such a blessing.
I am thankful for you and sending many blessings, praying that this year will hold many wonders for you. Thank you again!
January 6, 2015 at 4:23 PM |
Jan,
I so admire your work!
I am part of a Women’s Wisdom Circle that has gathered together for over 20 years.
I will be using this tonight for our first gathering of the year and will be sharing the Threshold Retreat with them.
In Gratitude.
Janis