Every year, it seems that the buildup for Christmas starts earlier and earlier. Decorations and sales have even started competing with Thanksgiving. Then, suddenly, Christmas is over and the world goes back to normal. In traditional Christian observance, however, Christmas Day is the beginning of the Christmas season, not the end of it.
The Christmas season commences with the celebration of Christ's nativity on December 25th and continues until January 6th, the Epiphany of the Lord -- 12 days. On Epiphany ( Greek = "manifestation") we remember that wise men came from distant lands to honor the newborn King. (Matthew 2:1-12) The season of Christmas, culminating in Epiphany, reminds us that Christ was born to be a light for all people.
On the one or two Sundays that fall within the Christmas Season, we focus on events that happen in Jesus' very early life. For example, this year, we will hear the violent and scary story of how King Herod attempted to destroy the newborn Christ. Thankfully, the Child was protected and grew up to later overcome such evil through his purposeful death and resurrection. (Matthew 2:13-18) Such early stories remind us that when Christ was born he truly joined in our experiences of suffering and offers real hope to a world that is needy for it.
Christmas is more than a single-day holiday. Christmas Day is just the beginning.
Why are there 12 Days of Christmas?
Every year, it seems that the buildup for Christmas starts earlier and earlier. Decorations and sales have even started competing with Thanksgiving. Then, suddenly, Christmas is over and the world goes back to normal. In traditional Christian observance, however, Christmas Day is the beginning of the Christmas season, not the end of it.
The Christmas season commences with the celebration of Christ's nativity on December 25th and continues until January 6th, the Epiphany of the Lord -- 12 days. On Epiphany ( Greek = "manifestation") we remember that wise men came from distant lands to honor the newborn King. (Matthew 2:1-12) The season of Christmas, culminating in Epiphany, reminds us that Christ was born to be a light for all people.
On the one or two Sundays that fall within the Christmas Season, we focus on events that happen in Jesus' very early life. For example, this year, we will hear the violent and scary story of how King Herod attempted to destroy the newborn Christ. Thankfully, the Child was protected and grew up to later overcome such evil through his purposeful death and resurrection. (Matthew 2:13-18) Such early stories remind us that when Christ was born he truly joined in our experiences of suffering and offers real hope to a world that is needy for it.
Christmas is more than a single-day holiday. Christmas Day is just the beginning.