What are You Doing December 26th?

As a child I had a problem with December 26^th.  I was probably typical of many kids.  You anticipate the holiday and there is a natural letdown once the celebration has passed. On two different occasions I distinctly remember being sick on the day after Christmas.  The second time I distinctly remember my mom blaming it on too many sweets the day before.  As I reflect back, I think it was more “post-Christmas syndrome.”  

Our children have taken care of any post-Christmas letdown this year.  Our family celebration is scheduled for December 26^th.    Since all three of our kids are involved in full-time ministry scheduling family events is a bit of challenge.    That will make it a three day celebration.  Christmas Eve Barb and I will be involved in the worship services at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church; she playing keyboard with the orchestra and myself in the bass section of the choir.  Christmas Day we will spend wrapping gifts and in other preparations.  Our youngest Son, Mark, and daughter, Katie and her family will stop by in the evening for some family time.  Then the big day…

For Christians who observe the church calendar, it is not supposed to be this way.  Christmastide is a twelve day celebration.  It begins on Christmas, December 25^th, but extends to Epiphany, January 6.  Orthodox Christians traditionally have celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6^th, the day we celebrate the visit of the Magi. 

I would like to propose the celebration of Christ’s Birth should be observed 365 days a year.  The same should be said for Easter.  If Jesus is the Immanuel, “God with us,” should not he be part of our lives 24/7 every day of the year.  Simeon caught the message.  He was the man who is mentioned in Luke 2, “It had been promised to him that he would not die before he had seen the Christ.” (Luke 2:26).  Simeon proclaims that he could now die in peace because, “my eyes have seen your (Jesus') salvation.”  (Luke 2:29)  It does not end there, however.  Simeon goes on to state, “which has been prepared for all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30)  Following in Simeon’s legacy we are to be proclaiming that good news through our words and action every day of our lives. 

Pew Research released some disturbing statistic in 2017 regarding the decline in the celebrating of Christmas as a “religious” holiday.  While 90% of those polled reported celebrating Christmas, only 46% viewed it as a “more religious holiday,” down from 51% in 2013.  Perhaps the reason for the decline is rooted in the unfortunate fact we have done a poor job of “proclaiming that message of peace.”   We need to be people of hope in the midst of a world and culture that so desperately needs to hear that message. That message needs to be lived out on December 26th, and through the rest of the year.