The First Day of Christmas - December 26th

 “They left for their own country…” (Mt. 2:12)

Here we are, the morning after Christmas – most of us slightly stunned from the food and frenzy of our modern way of observing Jesus’ birth, in which Christ seldom has much part. It’s over so quickly, but to “get back to normal” takes more time! The Christmas tree and decorations are immediately taken down and packed away until next year, and diets become the major preoccupation for a while.

Like the Wise Men, we “go back.” Yet in the church’s traditions, we have just begun to celebrate.  The “Twelve Days of Christmas” are not preparatory days, but the twelve from Christmas until Epiphany, January 6th, which was the earliest date to observe Christ’s birth. The great festivals of our heritage begin on Christmas and Easter, rather than ending with them.

So now, with Christmas itself out of the way, can we use these twelve days to begin to focus on Christ? This season of Christmastide allows us some space to do that. A new year encourages us to take stock of our lives. We are challenged to look ahead and grow in many areas of our lives.

Most of all, this is a period when we should be thinking about what it means for us to have a Messiah. How has Jesus changed our lives? What character traits would we point to in order to tell others about how Jesus has touched us?

IN WHAT WAYS DO I SHOW “CHRIST IN ME”?

Prayer: Lord God, Christmas has passed, but Christ is alive and growing. Grant us the Spirit which makes His light shine brightly in our words and deeds in the days before us. Amen.

Dr. John Clifford