Medieval and Renaissance history students are studying paintings from these periods that were created to help Christians reflect on the Biblical accounts of God’s self-revelation in Christ. Mark your calendars for the afternoon of January 5 (2 to 3 PM in the multipurpose room), when our ninth grade will lead the upper school in a celebration of Epiphany, making use of these paintings as well as a small selection of more contemporary poems.

Generations of Christians in the East and West have celebrated God’s revelation of Himself during the feast of Epiphany or Theophany. Most Western Christians have followed a twelve-day festival, starting on December 25 and ending on January 5 (known as Christmastide or the Twelve Days of Christmas). Epiphany (on January 6) marks the culmination of this period. Epiphany literary means a "manifestation" or "striking appearance" or "vision of God." Western Christians have focused on Christ’s revelation to the gentile sages who followed a star to find and worship this heavenly King. Christians in the East typically focused on Christ’s baptism and His first miracle at the wedding of Cana.

Around this season, several of the paintings that students study are displayed in our main hallway. In addition to viewing these prints, you may enjoy reading through student comments on several images in this online gallery. Students are composing these observations as an initial part of their preparation. Please consider contributing to their discussions yourself as well.