The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord signals the end of the Christmas season. This feast, along with the Epiphany and the Nativity celebrate the moments when Christ was made manifest to the world. From simple birth in Bethlehem to the visit of the magi to the baptism scene where God acknowledges his beloved Son, we are repeatedly assured that Christ is in our midst. God-made-man, Jesus is like us in all things but sin; therefore, He knows what it’s like to be you and me and He invites us to be more like Him. As we put away our Christmas decorations, let’s not put away the hope and peace that mark Christmastime. Maybe we need to keep one decoration on display for a little while longer to remind us that Christ has come into the world, into our homes, and into our hearts.
As winter proceeds, we have more than a few weeks of cold and darkness ahead; and as a Church, we move into Ordinary Time. If we hold onto our Christmas joy, it will be easier to remember that Christ is an extraordinary light for ordinary days.
Wishing you the warmth of Christmas for the days ahead,
