Christmas is Over

Happy 13th day of Christmas

For many of us, the weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with anticipation, activity, and a kind of holy busyness. Then Epiphany arrives, the Wise Men kneel before the Christ Child, and suddenly the season that carried us for nearly six weeks comes to a quiet close. The lights dim. The decorations return to their boxes. Life settles back into its ordinary rhythm.

But the Church reminds us that “ordinary” does not mean “empty.” Epiphany is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of Christ's revelation to the world. The same Jesus who drew shepherds and magi now steps into public ministry, shining light into dark places, calling disciples, healing the broken, and proclaiming the Kingdom.

So what do we do now?
We follow the Light. We seek after Jesus, we learn from him, we watch him, we journey on toward becoming more like him, and we become his Disciples.

We look for Christ at work in the everyday moments—at the kitchen table, in the workplace, in the quiet acts of kindness that rarely make headlines. We remember that the One born in Bethlehem is still Emmanuel, God with us, in every season.

Christmas may be over, but Christ is not done. His light continues to shine, and He continues to reveal Himself through His Word, His people, and His grace. As we step into this new season, may we do so with eyes open to His presence and hearts ready to reflect His light into the world.

As for me, a Pastor, my eyes begin to look toward Lent and Easter. It is a strange transition, and one that has taken me more than 30 years to wrap my head around. In some ways, I feel like the church would be better served to put more time between Christmas and Easter - time to follow the life of Jesus. Then I remember that Easter leads to Pentecost and our commissioning to BE THE CHURCH and Go make disciples. Maybe that’s why the season of Pentecost is so long; we are slow to learn. Following the star is not a spectator sport - it is 100% participation!

So pack up Christmas, grab your Bible and get in the game! - See you in Church on Sunday!

<><Pastor Craig