Not The Calendar Day But The Together Day by Laura Rodgers

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, let the sea roar and all that fills it, let the field exult and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming.

Psalm 96:11-13

The countdown to Christmas is always a big focus in my house. My kids start counting down the days in August or September when the toy and electronics wish book catalogs start to arrive. Yes, we still get catalogs in the mail, in addition to the many that arrive by email or social media channels. When we decorate for the holiday at home, we have a couple of countdown pieces with blocks that are updated every day. The first person up in the morning updates the calendar, helping us all know just how close we are to Christmas!

On this day of the month, the countdown is over. Christmas is three days past. But for many of us, Christmas is continuing as we meet with family and friends to celebrate when our calendars allow it, and special moments can be fit in. My extended Christmas with my family, parents, brothers, and their families sometimes happens after the big day. We still celebrate like it is the big day. It feels that way because we’re all gathered around the table or the tree, sharing the warmth of traditions and gifts.

One big, empty place will be there this year for the first time since my dad passed away in June. I am dreading Christmas without him, as I know many of my family are right now. But we will move forward and honor him as we gather together, knowing he would always want us to. He’s the one who encouraged us most to push past all the calendar conflicts and other things that could deter us from being there, and truly be together.

So, as we keep celebrating Christmas, I encourage us all to continue to unwrap and tune in to the spirit of it. Like the trees in the forest referenced in the Psalm above, let’s sing for joy, either literally or in our hearts quietly - when singing doesn’t feel possible. Sing for joy as we hold our loved ones, and our memories, close. Merry Christmas.

LAURA RODGERS