12 Days of Christmas

You know that ridiculously long Christmas song.... the one that always ends with a partridge in a pear tree?  Now that I have it stuck in your mind again--just in time for Christmas songs to stop on the radio--let me remind you of the twelve days of Christmas.  They actually take us into the new year, the twelve days of Christmas are actually after December 25.  So, you technically have twelve more days before the tree has to come down, before the carols have to stop, before the sugar consumption gets cut back.  For us at Covenant, it means twelve more days to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.  We return to celebrate the events immediately after Christ's birth narrative--his presentation at the temple and the visit of the magi.   

I wonder if you might come along side me and spend each of these twelve days reflecting on Christ's birth and the grace he brings into our lives.  That we might be intentional in word and deed over the next few days,  devoted in contemplation, in action, in prayer.   Consider it an early resolution. 

Day 1: Forget the empty boxes scattered all around.  Remember that it is not for everyone that happiness abounds.  For some this season holds the darkest and coldest nights as they mourn the loss of ones they once held tight. 

Day 2: As you scrape the last leftovers from plastic Tupperware dishes, remember you have plenty of what so many long for in wishes.  For some the holidays do not mean a bounteous feast, take some time to consider, when did you last feed the least?

Day 3:  When you take down those empty stockings from your mantle and fire place, take some time to give thanks, for the warmth of your bright space.  

Day 4: And if your fire is roaring, before you add another log--might you stop and pray for someone who is seeking shelter from the chill and fog.  

Day 5: You wind your way through crowds, making returns with gift receipts.  Do you remember the first gifts of the season--as wise men knelt at a baby's feet?  

Day 6: Nothing like a party to ring in the new year, drawing friends and loved ones to cheer.  Before you make that simple toast to health, and light, and love--stop for just a moment and give thanks for the gifts from above. 

Day 7:  How is it that the prince of peace, who calls for the lion to lie with the lamb, finds himself still praying for wars to cease centuries after the resurrection of the great I AM. As you set yourself high goals, for the new year to begin, set your mind to pray that true peace on earth might set in. 

Day 8: As you settle in at night, before you shift to turn out the light--won't you bind yourself to a new quest... perhaps the thing you need most this year, is just a little more rest. 

Day 9: And speaking of rest, Sabbath rest is best.  God made us to be in Community, to worship to study, to pray.  When you're mapping out your weekly routine, come be a part of the body of Christ, before you go out to meet the fray. 

Day 10: Before you throw those cards away--season's greetings and thoughtful art--pray for the souls who sent each one, and for blessings of peace on each heart. 

Day 11: Perhaps in the course of this great year--your heart can grow three sizes... find yourself much like the Grinch, let go of your judgments and disguises.
 

Day 12: And when everything finds itself packed away, the greenery and trimmings stripped down--be easy on yourselves beloved, and gentle with all who you meet about town. For this is how we spread the joy and good news of that great star--there is no reason that until next year, good will toward men should be barred. 

Peace and love, forgiveness--it's a wonderful Christmas Time. 

Blessings,
Loren

PEACE ON EARTH

-Hanson-

Do you know the reason for the season?
How the heavens came down to the earth
Bringing hope for all who will receive it
A sacrifice that forever changed the world

And the shepherds and kings
They would sing out rejoicing
And they fell to their knees
When they heard the angel's voices

Singing peace on earth
Good will towards men
There's a newborn king
Born in Bethlehem

Do you know the reason for the season?
A star that's shown for all who will believe
A holy child swaddled in a manger
A love that no man ever could conceive

And the shepherds and kings
They would sing out rejoicing
And they fell to their knees
When they heard the angel's voices

Singing peace on earth
Good will towards men
There's a newborn king
Born in Bethlehem

All the stories tell
How they followed the star
On the first Noel
On the first Noel

Peace on earth
Good will towards men
There's a newborn king
Born in Bethlehem

Do you know the reason for the season?