In our modern world, the celebration of Christmas often begins well before the Advent season and ends abruptly on December 26th. However, as faithful Catholics, we are called to embrace the fullness of the liturgical year, including the profound season of Advent. Let’s advocate for a shift in perspective and encourage our families to celebrate Christmas from December 25th until Epiphany, thereby honoring the true spirit of both Advent and Christmas.
Advent, a season of joyful anticipation, invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. It serves as a time of reflection, penance, and hope, allowing us to enter into the mystery of the Incarnation. The Catechism teaches that Advent is a period of "spiritual preparation for the Lord's coming at Christmas" (CCC 524).
By reserving the celebration of Christmas until after the Advent season, we regain a sense of the anticipation and longing that characterized the waiting period of the Old Testament. This delay heightens our appreciation for the birth of Christ, allowing us to fully embrace the joy and wonder of the Nativity.
The liturgical calendar provides a structure for our spiritual journey, guiding us through the various seasons and feasts of the Church. By extending the celebration of Christmas until Epiphany, we align ourselves with the Church's wisdom and tradition, deepening our understanding of the mysteries of Christ's life.
In a world that often rushes through Advent to reach the immediate gratification of Christmas, Catholics have the opportunity to be counter-cultural by embracing the richness of the liturgical year. By celebrating Christmas until Epiphany, we honor the true spirit of both Advent and Christmas, allowing for a more profound encounter with Christ. Let us reclaim the beauty of this ancient tradition and embark on a transformative journey of faith, eagerly awaiting the coming of our Savior.
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, marks the manifestation of Christ to the world, symbolized by the visit of the Magi. By extending the Christmas season until Epiphany, we recognize the significance of this feast and the revelation of Christ's divinity to all nations. It allows us to reflect on the universal mission of Christ and our call to share the Good News with the world.
In a culture consumed by instant gratification and materialism, celebrating Christmas until Epiphany encourages a spirit of contemplation and gratitude. By savoring the season and immersing ourselves in the beauty of the liturgy, we cultivate a deeper appreciation for the gift of Christ's presence in our lives.
By advocating for Catholics to celebrate Christmas until Epiphany, we invite a profound shift in our approach to the liturgical year. This counter-cultural choice allows us to fully embrace the anticipation of Advent, rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, honor the liturgical calendar, emphasize the significance of Epiphany, and foster a spirit of contemplation.
John Wright
Worship Director