Christmastide

As we all know, the Feast of Christmas is not simply a one-day affair; it's a nearly two-week, twelve-day celebration of the Incarnation. It's really a "tide," "tidings" of days; and so remembering that the "tidings" (perhaps from Old Norse tīdhendi, events as "news events") of Christmas cannot be told in a mere day, the Church has extended its celebration for a whole row or days, making sure that we have plenty of time to receive the Lord Jesus in many ways, throughout many days. That's why we call the coming days Christmastide.

That, of course, is not to diminish the importance of Christmas Day, the Feast of the Nativity. As Christians, we surround that day with lights and candle-burning, with carols and cantatas, with church drama and creches, with parishes providing special services, and with exceptionally beautiful provisions for Morning and Evening Prayer. Take, for example, our local Episcopal parish in Covington, Georgia. This morning there is Eucharist at 11:00; then later at 5:00 p.m. and at 10:00 p.m., two more Eucharists! The Church of the Good Shepherd wants to make sure--no matter the work schedule (whether it's baking home-made cookies, driving a tractor-trailer, preparing for family gatherings, or working as a server in a restaurant)--that everyone has an opportunity to kneel at the manger and receive the Lord Christ. And at Faith Lutheran Church in Lexington, KY, Andy's home parish, there will Christmas Even Eucharists at 4 and 11 p.m. (with music 20 minutes before the services begin). And on Christmas Day, another Eucharist at 10 a.m. Everywhere we Christians all over the world are praising God for the gift of Jesus Christ.

As we worship our way through Christmastide, I'll be sharing my thoughts with you. For now, however, if you're attending an especially beautiful celebration of the birth of Christ, leave us a comment and tell us what your parish did in response to the love of God in Mary's Son.