Monday, January 09, 2006

Merry Christmas? Again?

Last Friday I had an unusual treat – attending on Epiphany a Christmas service that had been previously snowed out. The service was part concert, part nativity scene, part worship service. I thought it odd, at first, that we would be celebrating Christmas almost two weeks after the day. I know my liturgical seasons, know the Christmas season doesn’t actually end until Epiphany, and still as we sang What Child Is This and other hymns I thought it odd.

But as I sat in the service, heard the Christmas story once again, sang some of those favorite carols one last time, I began to appreciate this coda to the Christmas season. I also began to wonder why we don’t celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. Why is it that after the 25th ends (and let’s be honest, for some of us it’s right after the opening of presents that morning) Christmas is over? Why, unlike so many other cultures and communities, don’t we enjoy a full season after our weeks of anticipation?

The service ended with an extended version of O Come All Ye Faithful but found me no closer to understanding my own behavior. Though I was no closer to my answers, I was resolved to continue thinking about them. As a minister, as a Christian, I’m going to meditate on why I can’t wait for Christmas to come and yet let it go right by in a day. I invite you to do the same. Maybe by next year we’ll have some answers, or at the very least some interesting reflections.

2 comments:

Gannet Girl said...

I don't think we pace ourselves well. All the rush rush rush before and then a complete collapse.

I thought about having a 12th Night party on January 6 for women to come together and relax and enjoy the still-festive house(not an original idea with me) but I was way too tired!

And then, since we are leaving town this week, the trees had to come down this past week-end, so I was totally focues on the un-decorating task. I was pleasantly surprised when the Three Kings came marching and singing down the aisle during church!

Andy said...

Hey Amy,
I love your blog.
It looks like you're having a great experience.
Also, I was wondering how I could get in touch with you, email, phone, etc.
As you may know, I'm looking for workshop directors for Massanetta in July and wonderin if you'd be interested again.
Let me know...cpc_andy_acton@earthlink.net
Andy