Dear Ones of St Columba's,

Merry Christmas! Yes, I know this message is coming to you on December 26th. I am aware that the stores have already hurriedly stamped all the Christmas items with clearance stickers and the candy aisle is adorned with hearts for Valentine's Day. The presents are opened and Santa is back snug in the North Pole.

But it is Christmas, still. 

In our tradition, the season of Christmas begins on the 25th of December, and lasts for twelve days, just like the song. This is why we keep Advent for the four weeks up until the first day of Christmas, so that we can celebrate a Mystery that is too big for just one day, and instead must stretch for twelve. 

So prepare yourselves - this Sunday at St. C's the trees will still be up. Instead of a sermon we will hear the Godly Play version of the Advent and Christmas story, all told at once. And if you come to the 10am service there will be Christmas music, still. Because it is still Christmas.

I love our way of keeping Christmas as a season, instead of just one day. It helps me to remember that God-with-us is not a momentary event, but a continual and constant truth. God is with us, even as the lights come down and the newness of our gifts begins to fade. God is with us, even as we exhale from the sugar highs and lows, and turn our minds toward New Year's Resolutions. God is with us, even if we didn't have a great holiday season, even if we struggle to keep that Christmas spirit alive. God, who was born into a particular life in our world in order to be with us, this same God stays with us all throughout time, in every particular moment of our own daily lives. 

We will not say goodbye to Christmas until the evening of January 5th, our transferred keeping of the Epiphany, which is on January 6th. That night we will sing our last Christmas songs and welcome in the three kings, who always arrive late. That night we will take down the Christmas trees, eat a potluck dinner together, and then say goodbye to the Christmas season by burning one of the trees in the parking lot and enjoying the excitement of that blaze of light, together. 

And yes, even then, God will still be with us.

So revel in the season, dear ones. Hold on to the Mystery we celebrate in the birth of Jesus, in the incarnation of God-with-us in every moment, every breath, and every season. 

Merry Christmas, still.

with care and gratitude,

Alissa