Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 3:16
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
CHRISTMASTIDE REFLECTION
Twelfth Night (Epiphany Eve) is a traditional Christian festival on the last night of the twelve days of Christmas. While in our American culture, we have often already put Christmas behind us, traditionally Christmas culminated on this night. Christmas was marked by midnight mass and family meals, but Twelfth Night was comprised of more public events and social gatherings. It has been celebrated for hundreds of years and known as a night of food, wine, hijinks, plays, and king cake. The king cake was placed in the center of a table. Everyone would take a piece of the cake and whoever had a slice with a hidden bean would be royalty for one day, no matter their position. While the Christmas season is ending, we shouldn’t be gloomy or unhappy – Twelfth night is the last hurrah of Christmas. We should remind ourselves of the joy of the Christmas season – in giving, in gathering with family and friends, and in the glory and wonder of the God incarnate. For one more night, it can still be Christmas.
COLLECT: Written by Collects are short general prayers used in Christian liturgy to draw our focus of worship. The collect today is from a collection of contemporary collects in the Book of Common Prayer
Eternal God, a thousand years in your sight are like a watch in the night. As you have led us in days past, so guide us now and always, that our hearts may learn to choose your will, and new resolves be strengthened; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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MUSIC VIDEO: Portland Choir and Orchestra: Ding Dong Merrily on High
IMAGE: Robert Herrick: Twelfth Night (King and Queen)
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