As a child I had a problem with December 26th. 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 26th. 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 25th, but extends to Epiphany, January 6. Orthodox Christians traditionally have
celebrated Christ’s birth on January 6th, 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.
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