Epiphanytide is a season set apart by its focus on the revelations of Christ—those profound moments when Jesus’ divine identity is made known to the world. Central themes of this season include revelation, as God discloses Himself through Jesus Christ; light, as we reflect on Christ as the Light of the World shining into the darkness; and reflection, as this quieter, contemplative time bridges the joy of Christmas with the penitence of Lent. Moving from the feasting of Christmas into the steadier rhythm of Epiphanytide, we are invited to consider how God’s revelations shape our daily lives. How do we carry the light of Christ into the ordinary moments of our days? How does His presence transform us?
During Epiphany, we are surrounded with the liturgical color green, a color that symbolizes growth, life, and the enduring hope we have in Christ. This season of light and revelation invites us to reflect on how God is revealed to us and how our faith continues to grow. One meaningful way to engage with these themes is by planting paperwhites.
These delicate white flowers beautifully align with Epiphanytide, offering a tangible reflection of the season’s emphasis on growth, renewal, and light. Watching their transformation from bulb to bloom mirrors our own spiritual journey, as we open ourselves to the light of Christ and grow in faith. Just as the paperwhite emerges and blooms in the light, Epiphany celebrates the light of Christ revealed to the world and the call for us to grow in faith and understanding.
Planting paperwhites is a quiet, contemplative activity, a way to pause and reflect on God’s ongoing work in our lives. It is also a wonderful opportunity to involve children, teaching them through hands-on experience about spiritual growth and the beauty of creation.
This simple activity can be a quiet, reflective practice for the season, a reminder that just as these flowers turn toward the light, so too are we called to turn toward the light of Christ, allowing His love to nurture and sustain our faith.
the activity -
supplies:
paperwhite bulbs (You can find these at most nurseries. I ordered mine online.)
container (I had several ceramic pots in my garage but this scalloped one is cute, so is this one with a stamped heart)
potting soil (I ordered mine here)
rocks or pebbles (pebble filler)
Select a container. Fill it a fourth of the way with rocks or pebbles for better draianage. Fill the pot the rest of the way with potting soil. Nestle the bulbs in the potting soil, making sure that only 1/3 of the bulb is covered.
Water your paperwhites gently, just enough to moisten the soil without overwatering. Continue watering only when the soil is dry. You don't want to overwater paperwhite bulbs or they will rot.
Bringing it All Together
As you care for them daily, let this be a time of prayer and reflection with your family. Each day, as you watch the green shoots emerge and grow, consider how the Lord is cultivating growth and hope in your life. This daily act becomes a living metaphor for nurturing your faith. Our growth in the Lord, like the growth of a paperwhite, is gradual but filled with beauty and wonder.
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