It’s Still Christmas!?
Surprise! It’s still Christmas! Were you feeling that Christmas was all behind you? As observed by the seasons of the church calendar, this time of beauty and joy is extended by a week or two, followed by the inspirational Sundays of the Epiphany. This is a distinctive period during which we have opportunities to be enriched spiritually as well as to learn more about the time shortly after the birth of Jesus.
So instead of seeing the next few weeks as the old post-holiday letdown, we get to celebrate some more Christmas. The remarkable happenings surrounding the birth of the promised Messiah didn’t stop when the shepherds returned to their flocks. The coming weeks are filled with stories and lessons that provide a greater in-depth understanding of a number of significant occurrences early in Jesus’ life. We’ll hear the account of how Mary and Joseph brought their son to the temple in Jerusalem, and how the Holy Spirit rested upon Simeon, a righteous man who proclaimed great things about the child.
It’s easy to get busy with all the activities we add on to Christmas, and there are times when we arrive at December 24/25 a little distracted and needing to focus on the most beautiful story we could ever hear. This “extra” period in our church calendar is therefore a real gift, giving us time to clear the clutter out of our minds, and experience a different, fresher way of observing Christmas. I personally like this approach, instead of rushing headlong into a New Year and the reorganizing and changing that it necessitates.
For those who traveled or had company for Christmas, these “bonus” days allow us to take some personal, thoughtful time, whether through reading scripture, listening to some favorite carols, or even writing a couple of pages of memories of the past year. God gives every one of us time, but using it well is a great challenge.
Here’s hoping, also, that rather than a letdown, there’s time to savor and reflect on the richness and variety of the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. We are fortunate to hear and sing music that can speak to us and enhance our worship experience. We hear the prophecies of the Old Testament, that God would send a Savior among his people, and in the Gospels, the fulfillment of the promise in the person of Jesus, the Christ. We are blessed to share these times with our personal families and our church families, grounded in God’s Word and assured of his everlasting presence in our midst.
” my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel!” (Luke 2:20-22, Simeon)
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers
Readings for this week: Psalm 111; Isaiah 45:22-25; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:25-40