Today is the third day of Christmas. Traditionally, the 12 days of Christmas begins on December 26th with the Feast of Stephen (a day to commemorate the martyrdom of Stephen). The season ends on January 6th with Epiphany or Three Kings Day. That is why some people keep their decorations up after New Year's Day.
Our family enjoys acknowledging this tradition for several reasons. For one, we are easing our way out of Christmas instead of rejoining the rat race the day after Christmas. This is when we make cookies, finish craft projects we intended to give as gifts, play games and watch movies together, stay in our pajamas for a couple days. It is another opportunity to focus on Christ with scripture readings about His revelation to all people. Most of the Advent scripture reading focuses on Jesus fulfilling Jewish prophecy. Epiphany is the celebration of God revealing Himself to the Gentiles as commemorated by the Kings from the East acknowledging the lordship of Jesus.
So, feel free to leave up your decorations, ponder the significance of Christ's birth a little longer and keep eating Christmas cookies. You have 9 more days!
2 comments:
I like our long Christmas season. Poo on the bah humbuggers.
Good stuff! Thanks for sharing b/c I didn't know that!
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