Christ is born! Let us glorify him!

This ancient Christian greeting echoes across centuries, reminding us that Christmas is not a moment to rush past, but a mystery to dwell within.

As early as 567 A.D., the church formally set aside the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. Advent was understood as a time of fasting and preparation, so that Christmas itself could be received not as a single day, but as a full season of joy, celebration, and wonder.

That extended celebration continued through the Middle Ages and well into the early modern era. Yet today—especially here in America—Christmastide often fades quickly into a blur of post-Christmas sales, gift returns, and New Year’s resolutions. The tree comes down, the lights go dark, and we move on.

But in our Christian tradition, Christmas is not a day—it is a season.
A season in which we celebrate the gift of Emmanuel: God with us.

Too often, we spend far more energy preparing for Christmas than actually living in it.

So this season, linger a little longer. Leave the decorations up. Before counting calories or making resolutions, enjoy the Christmas cookies you baked or were given. Keep giving gifts—especially gifts of kindness, generosity, and service. And don’t rush past the greeting just yet. Continue to wish one another a Merry Christmas. Or Happy Christmastide. Or even dare to proclaim the ancient words aloud:

Christ is born!
Let us glorify him!

May this holy season continue to fill your home and your heart with light, joy, and the deep assurance that God is still with us—now and always.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Kevin