As we approach the 12th day of Christmas, we recall the arrival of the Magi (wise people from the East).

The Bible does not say how many there were, or their gender, but traditionally they have become known as the three wise men or kings.

This celebration has become known as Epiphany, as Jesus was revealed to those outside the Jewish faith (known as gentiles) for the first time, as told in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2, verses 1-12. If you are interested in queer theology, you may appreciate this review of the Epiphany in tradition and art (including this image of the dream of the Magi from a medieval manuscript.

The word 'Epiphany' also means 'a moment of sudden and great revelation or realization'.

What might your great realization be this year? Perhaps, in reflecting on the extraordinary year we have just lived through, we may have a new appreciation of what really matters. Maybe this new insight can inspire us to live more gently, lovingly, intentionally, with God's help?

This is our prayer for you, and all our Open Table communities this year, that the infinite, unconditional, intimate love of God revealed to us in Jesus can continue to show us a better way to be, as beloved children of God, called to love one another as ourselves in community.

BUT we are only a community if we are listening to one another.

UPDATE 7th January 2021: THANK YOU to all who took time to share what your Open Table community and the Open Table Network mean for you.

The survey closed at midnight on 6th January 2021. If you'd still like to share your experience, or find out more about this survey or our fundraising plans, please contact us.

As we look ahead to 2021, we’d really value your feedback to help us to do more to support our current Open Table communities and establish more communities.

THANK YOU for helping us to help you!

UPDATE 21st June 2021: It’s out - and we’re proud! Independent research shows Open Table truly supports well-being.