I admit it. Even though we're halfway through January, I'm still hankering for Christmas. During the month prior to Christmas, many--maybe most--people spend time and energy thinking about others...their families and friends but also folk that are less fortunate or who are going through a hard time.
And that's good--for the most part. It's bad when we think of giving as an obligation rather than an opportunity. December becomes unpleasantly hectic when we focus on what we "have" to do--get the cards out, reluctantly attend Christmas parties, and buy presents for every significant person in our lives.
How different are our modern-day Christmases! Traditionally, the month of December was the month of Advent, and it was a time of repentance and preparation, a time of darkness and reflection, rather than a time of lights and celebration. Advent ended with Christmas, and Christmas commenced the Christmas season, "Christmastide." Christmastide lasted for 12 days -- haven't you always wondered what was meant by "the twelve days of Christmas"?
So, I don't mind having Advent as an exciting and anticipatory time as we look forward to Christmas. I just don't want us to lose the "Christmas spirit" too quickly. Shouldn't we carry this "heart for giving" into January? Really, when the Christ of Christmas is in the center of our lives, giving to others takes place all year.
ed with our various youth activities these days. Just look at these pictures. The first shows Alanna Giraldi teaching the Sunday School lesson. She was one of four that day. What great preparation!
