The Twelve Days of Christmas
December 25th to January 6th
Advent may be over, but Christmas has just begun. Join us for the 12 Days of Christmas—what is known as Christmastide—which runs from December 25th to January 6th. Christmastide is about the gradual departure of the darkness and the gentle drawing of light at Epiphany. We don’t have to cram all of Christmas into one day. Instead, we shed the pressure of “the holidays” and take on a new, relaxed rhythm of celebration. Here you will find short prompts to make this Christmas season a meaningful one.
To begin, if you have a Christmas manger scene, or crèche, put the baby Jesus in his manger. Find some wise men (or make them out of Legos!) and put them far away. Each day of Christmastide, move the wise men closer and closer to the manger, to Jesus, the light of the world. On January 6, they arrive, and the season of light begins, Epiphany.
We have not been exactly here before, and again it is time to take hold of some fierce hope. Take courage! If you have had a hectic Advent or Christmas Day this year, Christmastide is a gentle way for you to release the grip of anticipation and walk toward joy.
Christmas Day
DECEMBER 25
READ
Psalm 97:1-6
PRACTICE
Save a present to open on the evening of January 5th, Twelfth Night, to mark the end of Christmastide.
LISTEN
“O Come, All Ye Faithful!”
St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day)
DECEMBER 26
READ
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
PRACTICE
Eat leftovers. Go for a walk or have a rest. The heart of love is in the small things, so do some random act of giving today.
LISTEN
“Good King Wenceslas”
St. John the Evangelist’s Day
DECEMBER 27
READ
John 1:1-18
PRACTICE
Take a note from the Apostle John by spreading the “good news” to someone else in a small way. The good news is the light, so set aside time to light a candle, grab a glass of wine or cider, and relax in the glow.
LISTEN
“The Wexford Carol”
The Feast of the Innocents
DECEMBER 28
READ
Matthew 2:13-18
PRACTICE
Pray specifically for world leaders. Make a gesture of peace (unobtrusively) toward someone you know, in the spirit of loving those you don’t find easy to love.
LISTEN
“Sweet Little Jesus Boy”
The Feast of Thomas Beckett
DECEMBER 29
READ
Luke 2:22-40
PRACTICE
Send an email of thanks to someone who has been a spiritual inspiration to you.
LISTEN
“The Cherry Tree Carol”
The Feast of The Holy Family
DECEMBER 30
READ
Luke 2:41-52
PRACTICE
Call up someone you haven’t talked to forever. Or declare it a quiet day and read a good book.
LISTEN
“Still! Still! Still!”
New Year’s Eve
DECEMBER 31
READ
Philippians 1:3-6
PRACTICE
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, write a card to your family members or friends, telling them what your good wishes or blessings are for them in the coming year.
LISTEN
“Auld Lang Syne”
New Year’s Day
January 1
READ
Psalm 72
PRACTICE
Set aside time to come together with family or friends virtually or in person, bless the year and each other, sharing your blessings or cards or messages you wrote. Then, write a blessing for yourself.
LISTEN
“Jesus Christ the Apple Tree”
St. Basil’s Day
January 2
READ
James 1:17
PRACTICE
Think about the year ahead and write in your calendar reminders of the blessings you have been given as little breadcrumbs that will help to trace a story of hope.
LISTEN
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”
The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
January 3
READ
Psalm 8
PRACTICE
Say the name of Jesus reverently throughout the day as an internal “Yes” to the light coming into the world.
LISTEN
“Huron Carol”
January 4
READ
Psalm 103:11-13
PRACTICE
The Christmas celebration is not over yet. Do something fun that involves delicious food or a yummy cocktail.
LISTEN
“Children, Go Where I Send Thee”
Eve of the Epiphany (Twelfth Night)
January 5
READ
Galatians 4:4-5
PRACTICE
Open the gift you saved on Christmas Day. Share what has felt the most meaningful during this Christmastide season.
LISTEN
“We Three Kings of Orient Are!”
Epiphany
January 6
READ
Matthew 2:1-12
PRACTICE
Light all the candles in the house. Bring the Wise Men into the manger. Enjoy the Christmas lights one more time. Rest.
LISTEN
“As With Gladness Men of Old”
Season of Light
January 7
READ
Isaiah 42:1-9
PRACTICE
It’s time to take down your tree. Reflect on what it means to enter the season of light.
LISTEN
“This Little Light of Mine”