I used to think the 12 Days of Christmas were the twelve days leading up to the 25th. Things turned topsy turvy when I discovered years ago that Christmas stretches almost two weeks and the twelve days merely commence on the 25th. What magnificence is this?
We’ve surrendered this practice too easily. We’ve forgotten the art of long, lingering feasts. You may think Christmas is over, back to the grind. Not hardly. It’s barely begun.
We’re moving ever deeper into the true, into the implications of Christmas, the implications of Incarnation.
God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles but moving towards the house of peace and joy…Christmas is the renewed invitation not to be afraid and let him–whose love is greater than our own hearts and minds can comprehend–be our companion. {Henri Nouwen}
God is here. Party’s on.
My wife grew up Episcopalian. She insists on never taking the Christmas decorations down until Epiphany. She wishes we didn’t sing Christmas carols in church until the 25 – Jan 6. Christmas is an event to her, not just a day. May her tribe increase.
I’ve wanted to do the 12 day gift deal with Miska sometime, heck the boys too. I hope too one day.
Party on Winn
turning up the music now
Two words come to mind, Winn: Cultural and Incarnational.
Too easily I’ve let the stuff of cultural snuff out the significance of the Incarnation. If I desire to be intentional about seeking first the Kingdom of God, then it has to be the other way around. I don’t think it’s possible to seek the Kingdom without the Incarnation.
The Incarnation means I’m not living by myself, for myself – it’s about the King. Culture says its about me – all me.
Thanks for reminding me about the implications of the Incarnation and the art of long, lingering feasts that encourage me to respond to the invitation to gather around the Table of the King.
Dave, Incarnation is a big ol’ word carrying all kinds of wonder, isn’t it?