Well, the season is drawing to a close. Today was, I think, the last festive gathering. I had planned to visit out-of-town friends tomorrow but the weather prediction has changed those plans. Given the forecast, I will hunker down, stay indoors and put away the Christmas decorations.
Over the last couple of weeks I have enjoyed small get-togethers, loud parties with carol singing, meals with friends and a community come-and-go. Throughout it all I have been grateful that Christmas gives us incentive to do the kind of gathering and meeting and greeting that the rest of the year does not encourage.
There is something very therapeuatic and restorative about connecting with others. Community is an important aspect of the Christian life. The incarnation tells of God becoming human with a little one born into a family and into a religious community. Jesus, as an adult lived life in community. He travelled about with a group of disciples that shared life together in a profound way. I think he probably liked parties!
Today is the ninth day of Christmas. This is the day of the nine ladies dancing. So let’s kick up our heels and celebrate the coming of the one who changed the world and who is the light in the darkness. That is certainly cause for a party!
