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Christmas Day: Just One in Twelve — Living the Full Wonder of Christmas
by Canon Val

Somewhere between the midnight carols and the Boxing Day leftovers, we are tempted to forget that Christmas Day is in fact only the first note in a twelve-day song of joy. The Church calendar is clear that Christmas is not a moment—it’s a season. Like the steady flame of a candle, it burns from December 25 until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. moves quickly: decorations boxed up by December 27, sales signs replacing stars, trees tossed out onto the street for pick up. But the Christian rhythm invites us to slow down, breathe, and let the miracle of the Incarnation sink in. We need more than one day to marvel at the impossible: God with us, Emmanuel.

The “Twelve Days of Christmas” are not just a song about partridges and pear trees (though, it is a fun one). They trace the unfolding revelation of Christ’s coming—each day a window into an aspect of divine love. During these days, we move from the glow of Bethlehem’s manger, carrying the wonder of that light through our homes and hearts until the faithful and persistent Wise Ones arrive, following their star.

Why not consider some of these ways to celebrate the fullness of the Season?

Keep the Nativity Scene Out. Let the shepherds stay a while. Wait to add the Wise Men until January 6, reminding yourself that revelation takes time.

Light a Candle Each Day. Each evening, take a moment to light a candle and give thanks for one gift of the Incarnation—peace, courage, forgiveness, hope, healing, faith joy.

Read the Story Slowly. Read Luke 2:1–20 over several days, one small section at a time. Imagine yourself in the stable, among the animals, beside Mary and Joseph. Perhaps see the scene from a different character each day. What do you suppose that donkey was thinking as he trudged along?

Acts of Kindness. Choose one gentle act each day—a phone call to someone lonely, a note of gratitude, a donation, a shared meal.

Sing and Rest. Keep singing the carols! They’re not “over.” Pay careful attention to the words they contain and let them become your prayers. Take time for Sabbath rest; the Christ child came not to add to our busyness, but to bring peace.

Celebrate Epiphany. On January 6, mark the end of the season with something small but special—a meal with candles, or a star-shaped cookie to remember the guiding light of God.

So may we all enjoy the gift of lingering this year. Let each of these twelve days be a pause, a breath, a prayer of gratitude for the astonishing truth that God has come near—and stays near still.“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory.” – John 1:14

“The world for which Christ came is not a world that is clean and bright, but the one that is waiting and weeping.”
— Madeleine L’Engle