Matthew 2:11 "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."
January 6th is celebrated in many places as "Three Kings Day" when the Magi, almost certainly not kings, visited the one "born king of the Jews" in Bethlehem. Contrary to popular belief, the Magi were not present at the Nativity and may have arrived up to 2 years after the birth of Jesus. This waiting period is often observed as the 12 days following Christmas.
I'm sure most of you have heard the traditional carol about The 12 Days of Christmas...I must admit I can only make it to 5 Golden Rings before needing a song sheet. Then again most people don't make it 5 days before Christmas is over for them. So when does Christmas end for you? Is it after opening presents? How about after coming home from friends and family? Most the decorations in my neighborhood were gone the day after New Years.
I think we should hold on a little longer, marveling at the miracle of His birth, and not allow ourselves to be pushed into the next holiday so soon just because the Valentine displays are up. Then next year maybe we won't be so eager to declare the end of the season. We might even enjoy staying in spirit enough to have Christmas in July! What if we could maintain our joy of meeting Jesus for an entire year or more like the Magi? Doesn't that seem something worth striving for...I believe so.
Hmmmm...The 12 Months of Christmas...has a nice ring to it!
Staying in Spirit,
Alan
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