The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Christmas cycle begins with the First Sunday in Advent, New Year’s Day in the liturgical calendar. The Advent season is marked by the four Sundays preceding Christmas.

The Festival of the Nativity of Our Lord is the central event in the Christmas cycle.  Many celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve (December 24), while others wait until Christmas Day (December 25).

The true light that shines on everyone was coming into the world.
(John 1:9, CEV)

Christ’s illuminating power is the focus of Christmas.  Jesus is the “light of the world” (John 8:12).  During the season of Advent, a candle is lit on each of the four Sundays to signify the coming of the True Light into the world.  On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the Christ candle is lit to symbolize that the light has come to dispel our darkness.

Those who walked in the dark have seen a bright light.
And it shines upon everyone who lives in the land of darkest shadows.
(Isaiah 9:2, CEV)

Darkness gives way to light.  Sin gives way to righteousness.

The Word became a human being and lived here with us.
(John 1:14, CEV)

In the midst of our hopes and fears, God comes to us as a baby known as “Immanuel,” which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).  And his name is Jesus because he will save his people form their sins (Matthew 1:21).

A child has been born for us.
We have been given a son who will be our ruler.
His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God,
Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.
His power will never end; peace will last forever.
(Isaiah 9:6-7, CEV)

Beginning with December 25, the Christmas season is one of twelve days, and concludes with the Epiphany of Our Lord, which is celebrated on January 6.  Epiphany, a Greek word that means “appearance” or “to make known,” is a season that follows Christmas and focuses on God’s presence made known to all the world as revealed in Jesus Christ.
The Feast of Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 when the church celebrates the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12).

Throughout the twelve days of Christmas, reflect daily on the gift of God’s love – God’s own Son, the Savior and Light of the world.

December 25  Luke 2:1-20
December 26  Matthew 1:1-17
December 27  Matthew 1:18-25
December 28  John 1:1-18
December 29  Titus 2:11-15
December 30  Hebrews 1:1-14
December 31  Psalm 98

January 1  Luke 2:21-40
January 2  Luke 2:41-52
January 3  John 8:12-20
January 4  Isaiah 60:1-7
January 5  Psalm 72