The Work of Christmas
When we think of Christmas, the word “work” is not the first thing that comes to mind. Unless of course your job calls you to service on holidays. In the church, there are cards to write, decorations to organize and liturgical services to prepare.
Work + Christmas
Maybe when we think of work + Christmas the time of preparation during Advent comes to mind: the shopping, the planning and getting ready. We spend weeks sometimes months to prepare for one single day. For some, Christmas is work. For the lonely, the sick or those who are depressed, getting motivated or trying to find the holiday spirit can be a real challenge. Christmas can be an emotional time for many people. It will last 24 hours and then it will be gone. The work of Christmas will be over. But will it be over? Is it ever over?
The Gospel According to John
The Gospel for Christmas Day is taken from John. He writes of the beginning and the Word which came to life through God. It was a light to shine in the darkness. “The true light which enlightens everyone” (John 1:9). What happens to this light once Christmas is over? Does it fade? I am inspired by a poem written by the philosopher and theologian Howard Thurman. He reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas:
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among brothers,
to make music in the heart.
Our Wish to You
May the Word become flesh in each of us. Let us take it out into the darkness and light up the world.