Posted 194 days ago
Twelve Days of Christmas and more
by Christine Sine
When Christmas day and Boxing day are over our frenzied activity can easily give way to a low grade depression. But Christmas isn’t really over as those of us who are part of liturgical traditions are well aware. In the sixth century it was decided that celebrating Christmas just for a day didn’t provide time to celebrate the joy that Christ’s birth brought into our world. They made Christmas into a twelve day festival that ended with a feast on the Eve of Epiphany on January 5th to celebrate the coming of the wise men.
Even that seemly nonsense song The Twelve Days of Christmas, with its litany of strange gifts gives far more significance to those days than we realize. It was actually written as a catechism song during a time when Catholicism was banned in England. The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God and the partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
So what do you plan to do this Christmas season to share the joy of Christmas celebration beyond Christmas Day? Here are some suggestions you might like to consider.
Sit down with your family the day after Christmas – read the story of the angels appearing to the shepherds in the fields. Discuss your reactions to this story. What is your earliest memory of Christ appearing to you? Share how you felt at that time and talk about the difference that Christ’s presence has made in your life. Then ask yourselves: What most excites you today about the presence of Christ in your life? How does his presence impact your life? Next discuss ways that you could share the joy of Christmas with others during the following days. You might like to write down one suggestion for each of the 12 days of Christmas that could extend the joy of the season to others.
- Do you know people that are alone this Christmas? Take them out for a meal or invite them out for the day. Share with them the reasons that you continue to celebrate the joy of Christmas beyond December 25th
- Do you know people who are disabled? Take them for a drive around your neighbourhood to enjoy the Christmas lights.
- Do you know people of other faiths? Invite them over for a meal. Ask them questions about their own faith journey and then ask them if you can share yours and why this season is important to you.
- Do you have friends, acquaintances or family you rarely speak to? Phone one person each evening during the Christmas season to share your joy at Christ’s birth with them. * Do you know people who are homeless or living on the streets? If you live in the Northern hemisphere invite them home for a meal and an evening by a warm fire. If you live in the Southern hemisphere invite them out for a BBQ and an afternoon of games and fun.
- Do you know people that work amongst the poor in other parts of the world? Consider cutting your own food budget by half the week after Christmas and send what you save as an extra gift to encourage them during this season.
« Advent Morning and Evening Prayers Mustard Seed Associates in 2009 »
Reader Comments