Since Christmas decorations tend to appear in people's homes these days around Thanksgiving (or before), I hear many comments of relief when Christmas "finally" arrives and these folks can take down all the decor the day or two after December 25. Since this phenomena hasn't always been commonplace in our culture, I'm guessing that commercialism has had something to do with this...just guessing.
The song The Twelve Days of Christmas is still heard during the commercial "Christmas season" on the radio, in the malls, and in the halls, but I tend to think that few know its actual meaning. The Twelve Days of Christmas actually start of December 25...Christmas itself starts on December 25. Up until that point is Advent--the time of anticipation. From December 25 through January 6 are the twelve days of Christmas. And today, January 6, is a very important date to all Christians...it is Epiphany. The glorious day when, according to our faith, three very wise men who after extensively studying the location of a unique star that appeared in the heavens, found its reason--the Christ child and the Holy family. What a wondrous discovery.
In any country that is ruled by a principality, the birth of a future King is an event of epic proportion. This event was no less momentous, albeit more complex. Who was this family? How could this newborn be considered a King? Yet those who believed the world of God knew this was a King indeed. The prophets had spoken of this event for generations. It was convincing enough that Pharaoh himself sent out a decree that, after the wise men didn't return to report on this momentous event, to kill all male children throughout the land ages 2 and under in keeping within the time of the first appearance of the glorious "new" star. Yes, an event of epic proportion.
This special day, January 6, is seldom recognized by anyone outside the Church anymore. I invite you to bring it back into your home. Maybe next year don't get in as much hurry to bring about Christmas, but enjoy the beauty of Advent, the miracle of Christmas, and the glory of Epiphany.
Blessings to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment