Shortly after Christmas we began to see discarded Christmas trees along the curbs. Our world doesn’t seem to realize that it is still the Christmas season.  Who could blame them since stores have been touting Christmas wares since late October; however, the Church perseveres and celebrates the birth of Jesus and his manifestation as the Savior to the world from Christmas Day through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

During the Advent season Christmas carols blared over store sound systems but not in church.  We sang songs that echoed the Gospel message of preparation for the coming of the Lord at Christmas.  Now we are singing carols that announce the birth of Christ and its significance for the world.  Last Sunday, on the Feast of the Holy Family, we pondered, “What Child is This?” and reveled in “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Today, on Epiphany, our carols focus on the star in the east and the three wise men; the manifestation of the Lord to all peoples is proclaimed in “We Three Kings” and “The First Noel”.  

Next week, on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we witness Jesus’ own baptism and the inauguration of his mission on earth.  Jesus’ public ministry proceeds from an authorization by the Father and we as his followers share in his identity and in his mission.  The strains of “Joy to the World” close the season and echo our elation at the Savior’s coming into our world.  (January 2, 2005)