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‘Tis the Season: The Twelve Days of Christmas … and Counting
Two historical events set Christianity apart from every other religion: first, God took on a human body, becoming man in the person of Jesus (Christmas); and second, the human body of Jesus was crucified, died, and raised from the dead (Easter).
While secular observances overly anticipate Christmas (even before Thanksgiving), the Church begins its official seasonal festivities on the eve of December 25. Our rejoicing continues for 12 days leading to the solemnities of the Epiphany on January 6 and the Baptism of the Lord, shortly thereafter.
Both the incarnation and birth of Jesus reveal different aspects of this singular mystery, through which the Eternal Word of God (the Second Person of the Trinity) became flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was born of her nine months later.
The Church commemorates Jesus’ incarnation on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation: The Archangel Gabriel appears to Mary and proposes that through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, she become the mother of the long-awaited for Messiah. Mary says, “Let it be done unto me according to your word.”
The Church commences its celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25 (observed on this day by the Church of Rome since at least 330 AD): the heavenly hosts of angels sing “Glory to God in the highest,” proclaiming the Good News of the Nativity of the Lord in a manger in Bethlehem.
But this unique, history-making event of Jesus becoming one of us, in all ways except sin, is such a profound mystery that the Church reflects on this gift over several weeks by celebrating many other feasts, including:
- Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph – Yes! God comes to live among us, “growing in wisdom, age and grace” as a full member of a real human family. This feast is observed on the first Sunday after Christmas.
- Mary, Mother of God. – The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) emphasizes Jesus’ divinity by officially bestowing upon Mary a title under which she had already been venerated for centuries. This feast completes the Octave of Christmas and is observed on January 1.
- Epiphany of the Lord – The newborn King of the Jews is manifested to the Magi, who had found him by following the light of a star, as the Light of all nations. This feast is observed either on the first Sunday after January 1 or on January 6 (completing the 12 days of Christmas).
- Baptism of the Lord – In humble obedience, Jesus is baptized in water, anointed by the Spirit, and declared to be the “beloved Son” of God the Father. This feast is observed on the Sunday following Epiphany.
We have much to celebrate on Christmas day and for many days to come. As a Catholic-Christian community of faith, I encourage us all to make merry throughout the entire Christmas season. Allow the mystery of “God become man” to flood our hearts and souls, to fill our days and nights, to focus our work and play, and to infuse our prayer and worship. “On the first day of Christmas, my true Love, the Lord, gave to me …”
Monsignor Andrew Dubois
Pastor