Friday, December 26, 2014

Second Day in the Octave of Christmas

For my family, Christmas is drawn out over many days of visiting and family gatherings between my own immediate family, extended family, friends, and relatives. For my whole life we have had a big Christmas dinner at my aunt’s house with traditional Italian dishes (the menu only changing once in my 30 years). The house is filled with chaos, laughter, and my cousins’ teasing. Presents are opened in a whirlwind of wrapping paper, boxes, and bows.

As a child, we would go to my grandmother’s (just my siblings and me) on the morning of December 26 to spend time with her and receive her gifts to us. After all the busyness of the holiday season, the morning after Christmas was like the extra icing on the cake. The joy of Christmas Day was drawn out just a little bit longer.

Our “second Christmas morning” at my grandmother’s house is an image for me of lasting joy, the bountifulness of God’s love, and an opportunity to savor a little bit longer. Although December 25 has drawn to a close, today marks the beginning of the sinking in and deepening of God’s loving us through the gift of His Son.

Today I enjoy the leftovers in the fridge, tidy the rooms where we celebrated, and enjoy the physical and spiritual gifts of Christmas.

Lord, how might I savor each moment a little longer and relish your presence a little more today?

Reflected by Jen Coito

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