American humorist Kin Hubbard (1868 – 1930) once observed “Next to a circus there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit.” Unfortunately, many of us have experienced this firsthand. By the time Christmas Day arrives we are so tired and burned out that Christmas seems anti-climactic and devoid of much of the joy that is supposed to be associated with the season; Peace and Goodwill seem hard to find.
Part of the reason for this is due to the modern secular marketing hype of the season, which largely omits the relationship and observance of the traditional Christian liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
The observance of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Christmastide) has been mostly forgotten in the United States. We seem to be much better at singing the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” than observing the 12 days. Contributing factors include (but not limited to) the adoption of more secular traditions, such as the American version of Santa Claus, the rise in popularity of New Year’s Eve parties, and perhaps most significant, the Christmas marketing strategies of store retailers. For retailers, the first day of Christmas (December 25) represents the end of the marketing season, as demonstrated by the number of “after-Christmas sales” that launch on December 26. The commercial retail calendar has fostered a false sense that the Christmas season ends on December 25, when in fact it is just beginning.
Perhaps a quick review of the Christian liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmastide and Epiphany will help us restore the joy and meaning of the season.
Advent
In the Western Christian church, Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year and begins on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas Day, December 25 and ends on Christmas Eve (December 24).
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”.
The Latin word adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, which commonly is used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. Therefore, the season of Advent can anticipate the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah as well as reminding us to stay alert for his Second Coming.
Christmastide
- The Twelve Days of Christmas, or Christmastide, start on Christmas Day, December 25 and ends on January 5.
- The night of January 5 is called “Twelve Night”.
- While there is no official set of rules to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas, some common customs and activities include:
- Some churches on each of the twelve days celebrate a different Christian Saint or event.
- Some people exchange gifts and/or light a candle on each of the twelve days.
- Some people light a Yule Log on the first night (December 25) and let it burn some each of the twelve nights.
- Some people visit friends and family during this time.
- Some people have parties on Twelve Night.
- Tradition suggests the Christmas tree and decorations should be taken down between Twelve Night and Epiphany morning.
Epiphany
The word Epiphany is from the Greek word ἐπιφάνεια, epiphaneia derives from the verb “to appear” and means “manifestation” or “appearance.”
Epiphany is observed on January 6 each year to commemorate the visit of the Magi (wise men) to see the Christ child. Many view this event as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. In 2025, we will observe Epiphany Sunday on January 5.
It is hard not to get caught up in the commercial aspects of Christmas. But if we can better observe the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, we may find the Christmas spirit stays with us much longer.
We just need to remember that Christmas is not about material items and artificial, self-imposed deadlines, but rather Christmas is about rekindling our relationship with God through the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If we celebrate the true glory of Christmas and share it with others, we just might find that ever elusive Peace and Goodwill, not just on Christmas Day, but throughout the year.
