Have you seen the posts and memes like the one above that begin with “I was today years old when I learned that…”? My first exposure to such a post was a video of a man using a vegetable peeler on a carrot, amazed that he could peel both top to bottom and bottom to top. I was shocked! I’d been peeling carrots my whole life and never had I peeled from top to bottom…it was an epiphany!
Admittedly, I had the same reaction when I learned only very recently that the 12 days of Christmas do not reflect the frenzy leading up to December 25th, but actually begin with Christmas Day and continue through January 6th, also known as Epiphany. This is the day we celebrate the magi visiting the Christ Child and signifying his first introduction to gentiles. So essentially my entire life has been a month long build up to Christmas Day, in recent years tamed by the observation of Advent, followed by the quick post-Christmas Day let down. And my kids have done the exact same thing.
It’s no one’s fault. Christmastide was never discussed in my home nor my early experiences of church. But now I know better. And if there’s ever been a year to do things differently, it’s this one. The celebration of Christmastide was first set apart by the Roman Catholic Church in 567 and while the season has evolved with time and by denomination, the premise is the same: to rejoice in the Incarnation and share the news of the light of God coming into the world. Traditionally, Christmastide is a time of feasting and carols and light, a response to the waiting and solemnity of our Advent hopes being answered.
So what if we gave it a try? What if we spent the next few days with Christmas carols playing in the background, Christmas lights twinkling from the tree, candlelight glowing on the table, and continued intentional time in the Word of God. What if we chose to keep the heart of Mary who didn’t rush to leave the manger but instead treasured up this time with Jesus and meditated on all he came to do and be in this world?
What if instead of rushing to take down the decorations, return and exchange the gifts, and spend the Christmas cash, we instead feast around the table, snuggle up with our kids for one more Christmas movie or board game, and hold on to the peace that comes with Emmanuel, God with Us. What if for just a few more days we held fast to the prophecy of Isaiah:
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased its joy.
The people have rejoiced before you
as they rejoice at harvest time
and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
For you have shattered their oppressive yoke
and the rod on their shoulders,
the staff of their oppressor,
just as you did on the day of Midian.
For every trampling boot of battle
and the bloodied garments of war
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
The dominion will be vast,
and its prosperity will never end.
He will reign on the throne of David
and over his kingdom,
to establish and sustain it
with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2-7
If you’ve already reset your home for the upcoming New Year and all that we’re hoping will be different, it’s ok. But is there just one candle you could keep lit? Is there a set of twinkle lights you could drape on a mantel? Could the nativity scene sit out for just a few days more or maybe even permanently?
We are so quick to extinguish the lights of Christmas, but Jesus is the one light that cannot be extinguished. He is the light that drives out darkness. He is the light that brings hope and healing. Will you join me and my family as we celebrate Christmastide and continue to marvel in and share the good news of a King who came for you and me? What will Christmastide look like in your home?