Tonight we bid Christmas goodbye. The HolyDay decorations are still up in our home, the tree lit, the nativity ranging across the mantel, the candles lit, the angels gently smiling. Yes, the Advent calendar is empty, the Advent candles burnt far down, but Christmas remains with us, and not for a mere twelve days each year.
Part of me wants to keep the nativity on the mantel all year. But I may leave Jesus out as Ann Voskamp did this past year, a reminder that Jesus has come, is present here with us, and can't be packed away in a box any more than I can close my heart to His Love.
So tonight we celebrate the Twelfth Night with chocolate cake and candlelit prayers and a lit tree, His grace enveloping us. Packing Him away in the small white styrofoam compartment, wrapped in clear plastic, is simply impossible.
He will not be contained.
And we look forward to tomorrow, Epiphany, when the Magi arrive, worn and exhausted after their long journey to the Child. Following the Star, they sought the True King and knelt before Him in adoration. We also shall kneel before Him, recognizing the Babe for Who He is: the King of kings, the Lord of lords.
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