The Real Twelve Days of Christmas – Christmas Day

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

A friend posted his opposition to song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and he seemed quite miffed about the whole idea.  It was interesting that I had intended to delve into the customs that led to the song being created at all.  Lost to history and liturgy are the reasons why we have a twelve day celebration of the season.

Truly I believe that we should celebrate in this way so as to detract from the commercialism that the aforementioned song suggests.  Ben I hope that you will benefit from this more than you did the song. 

The first day of the celebration is obvious.  It is the celebration of the Nativity.  It is our opportunity to recognize that Christ came in human form for the express purpose of redeeming humans to himself.  It is this great expression of love that we are to celebrate.

It takes effort to keep Christ central in the day.  For most of those who celebrate it has become about family and gifts.  If one is not vigilant Christ becomes lost in the other trappings of the season.  There is even an effort by some to push Christ out of the Christmas altogether. 

I intend to work my way back to a longer celebration of Christ in this season; perhaps even some time off for good behaviour.  I work to celebrate him daily anyway and since my joy in it is natural perhaps I can extend it without pretense.  It would make the journey much sweeter.

Birthday Card At Christmas – Jethro Tull

Got a birthday card at Christmas... it made me think of Jesus Christ.

It said, "I love you" in small letters. I simply had to read it twice.

Wood smoke curled from blackened chimneys. The smell of frost was in the air.

Pole star hovered in the blackness. I looked again... it wasn't there.

People have showered me with presents. While their minds were fixed on other things.

Sleigh bells, bearded red suit uncles. Pointy trees and angel wings.

I am the shadow in your Christmas. I am the corner of your smile.

Perfunctory in celebration. You offer content but no style.

That little baby Jesus... he got a birthday card or three.

Gold trinkets and cheap frankincense. Some penny baubles for his tree.

Have some time off for good behaviour. Forty days, give or take a few.

Hey there, sweet baby Jesus... Let's share a birthday card with you.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."