This article was originally posted on Fri, 06 Jan 2023.

As I was making my way to my brother’s house on the 26th of December, I saw Christmas trees on the street. Some people had already taken down their decorations. I realized, that in the secular world, Christmas had passed. But in our Church, Christmas is celebrated until Sunday, January 8, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas is such an important event that we can’t celebrate it for just one day. It is extended for several days so that we can savor the joy of this beautiful season.  This weekend, we remember the visit of the Magi to the newborn King. Matthew tells us that these Wise Men were guided by the star. You can just imagine the journey during that time – the wind, the heat of the desert, the darkness of the night, - yet, they persevered. As they saw the star they were filled with joy, hope and, courage. Because of their persistence, they found the true light of the World, the King of Kings, the Christ, the Emmanuel. As they make their way home, they brought with them a different gift, not frankincense, or myrrh or gold, but the gift of the Child, Jesus.  The Christmas season reminds us that we, too, have been gifted with the Christ Child. God gave us a present, a gift that keeps on giving.  Someone once told me that Christmas does not happen only on the 25th of December. Rather the real meaning of Christmas is experienced the day after and all days to follow. It is how we live out Christmas in our lives.  As we conclude this lovely season, I am reminded of Howard Thurman’s poem, “The Work of Christmas:”  When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins:  To find the lost,  To heal the broken,  To feed the hungry,  To release the prisoner,  To rebuild the nations,  To bring peace among others,  To make music in the heart.  Guided by the light in our hearts, my friends, let us keep celebrating Christmas in our words and in our deeds!

Merry Christmas Everyone!