The First Day of Christmas. A Blessing for the Journey
We are not very Christmassy people. At least not in the traditional sense. We do not have a Christmas tree, and, since our families are far away, have not much of family celebration either. Thus, our take on the 12 Days of Christmas is born of an utter need: what do we do with the old texts that are read at church, in between carol singing; those which touch the heart of the postmodern people for some brief moments? What lies beyond traditions when we arrive in the silence of the silent night? What lies at the heart of this old story of Divine birth in a stable, which matters to our own heart’s journey? Every year we wonder anew if we want to challenge ourselves to this journey, and every year we are humbled again by the many across the globe who follow our invite to join us.
And so here we are, coming from different continents, backgrounds and traditions, for some the silent night just starts while for others the dawn of Christmas Day is near. Our little family has spend much of Christmas Eve cuddled at home, taking turns holding our baby child. We missed the first church service, and then we also missed the second. Instead we watched the little child in front of us, who enters this first Christmas season of her life without any expectations. She does not need well choreographed moments to be in awe. But she preaches to us without yet saying a word. And her laughter and her joy are infectious. And like our little child, every child reminds us of the mystery of Divine birth in human form, of Immanuel, God with us. And every child teaches us something about the awe and wonder only a child is able to find in the world around her.
Journeying into the Twelve Days of Christmas isn’t a romantic get-away with experienced guides deciding the route. Instead it is the road less traveled, which starts when most people have already disposed of their Christmas trees for good. It is a challenge to enter into silence, or to find silence in the midst of busy days and celebrations. It is the quest for looking back and journeying forward when the old year ends and the new is yet to come. It is the challenge to follow the star without knowing where it might lead. Though we journey together it is a journey into the deeper self, where one is alone with God.
Do you want to come with us?
Then we offer you this blessing for the journey as you enter this first day of Christmas:
May Christmas find you where you are
Do not be afraid of the night
for night is when the light shines brightly
do not be afraid of the silence
for it is the silence in which God speaks
do not be afraid of the loneliness
for it is the openness where Divine grace enters
do not be afraid of the journey
for it is the journey that brings us home
You are not seeking Christmas, Christmas is seeking you.
May Christmas find you where you are.
AF
