The 4th or 5th Day

Merry Christmas!! If you’re reading this on Friday, then it’s either the 2nd or 3rd day of Christmas. I personally think, strongly desire, earnestly hope, and wish upon a start that our society could observe the 12 Days of Christmas. Think how much LESS stress there would be to get gifts and do all that stuff if you didn’t have to “do it all” by the 24th? Because let’s be honest all you men out there, how many of you do shopping on Christmas Eve? That was me one year when my church didn’t have a 3:00 service; the King of Prussia Mall was full of men. And not to leave women out, I bet the grocery stores are full of women getting stuff to cook. I can’t say that for certain because I’m not the cook (although I do run the grocery errands…).

         So, does Christmas Day count as the first day? Depends. Some denominations say yes, some don’t. Depends on how soon you want your Five Golden Rings or get your Eight Maids a’ Milking. Either way, Christmas is such a busy, stressful time that I think we could all use a few extra days. That’s where I think our culture could be better. We Americans are bad about putting all kinds of work and expectations on big experiences, everything has to be “bigger, new and improved!” The. Best. Ever!

         God doesn’t put that on us. The biggest events in the New Testament—Easter, Pentecost, Christmas—are all huge, but God’s in charge of the planning and execution. We’re just invited to show up. How awesome is that? And all our preparation in the world doesn’t put us in control of what God does—like becoming incarnate, being born in a stable, conquering death through the cross and resurrection, and sending the Spirit through the words and witness of others. I wish “Christmas” was like that.

          My point is that God’s gifts keep on giving after Christmas. And rather than being a big build up and then it’s all over, the Twelve Days remind us—encourage us—to keep celebrating the eternal gift we have in Jesus Christ. At Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Pr. Christian