Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity! Church Potluck serves up thoughtful, friendly, informal conversation at the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture. Just like a church potluck, we offer variety: a variety of topics, a variety of academic disciplines, and a variety of Christian traditions. Guests are friends and colleagues who are also experts in the fields of sociology, political science, theology, philosophy, divinity, and more.
Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
ADVENT DAY 20: La Befana, the Christmas Witch
In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined once again by Rev. Chris Barbieri to explore the charming and lesser-known Italian Epiphany tradition of La Befana, the Christmas Witch. Blending Christian theology with local folklore, La Befana tells the story of a grandmotherly figure who encounters the Magi on their journey to find the Christ child. After declining to join them—and later regretting it—she sets out with her broom and gifts, still searching for Jesus and sharing treats along the way. Celebrated on Epiphany Eve, this tradition reframes Christmas not as a single day but as a season that culminates in January, reminding believers that the search for Christ doesn’t end on December 25. With warmth, humor, and delight, this conversation reflects on how simple stories can carry deep meaning—and still bring joy to families today, complete with stockings, gifts, and even La Befana parades in parts of Italy.
Note: The Church Potluck Advent Calendar will conclude on Christmas Day.
The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.
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