Great links - thank you. And Merry Christmas.
For the first time for me right now, I think ever, I feel that Christmas isn't coming to a complete "halt" as it has in the past.
I think a concentrated focus (for me) on the purpose of Christmas made the difference.
I am looking forward to celebrating "little Christmas" in the coming days, with my fellow Christians.
Thanks again for posting this. And may you continue to have a very Blessed Christmas!
The Feast of the Epiphany falls on Friday, January 6. It has always been traditional in our home to keep the tree lit until the arrival of the Magi. The Nativity will remain in place until February 2, Feast of The Presentation.
I was most surprised this evening to survey the neighborhood and see many homes have already turned off their outdoor lights. While Christmas signals a beginning for us as christians, these neighbors consider it the end. By tomorrow, there will already be several discarded Christmas trees out by the street.
Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon in their neighborhoods as well?
Welcome to FRee Republicc!
Thanks for the link. The story of the Magi is so intriguing. They came from Iran, and the notion of following a star to a promised Saviour has echoes of Zoroastrian stories.
Welcome to Free Republic.
Enjoyed the web site very much.
God Bless...
When I was a kid we put the tree up on Christmas Eve and took it down on the Epiphany. We put a Creche out that consisted of the stable and animals but no Holy Family until Christmas. The 3 Kings started in the living room and slowly made their way from table top to kitchen counter to table top until they were added to the scene on the Epiphany.
Thanks for your post and welcome to FR! What a lot of great info. Bump for later print-out.
A Blessed Christmastide to you and yours!