Epilogue

Herod at the Christmastide Pageant

First, a note from me

Dear Restful friends,

What a joy it’s been to mark the weeks of Advent and Christmas together. I’m deeply grateful for your companionship and encouragement along the way.

As we prepare to step into Epiphany, I wanted to offer a brief epilogue to our Christmastide pageant before we return to our once-a-week Daybook rhythm. This is no minor footnote to the Christmas story. In many ways, the Incarnation finds its meaning not only in Christ’s birth but also in the years that followed: the Holy Family’s flight from Herod’s rage and the long, largely hidden season leading up to Jesus’ baptism and public ministry. We know very little about those years. You might call it the ordinary time of Jesus’ life.

As we enter the season of Epiphany, may you continue to walk in the light as He is in the light. Epiphanytide carries us through moments in Christ’s life when he is revealed, made manifest, as the Son of God. If the Incarnation is about God becoming man, Epiphany is about God marking this man Jesus as his divine Son, sent to reveal God to us. In the coming weeks, we’ll linger with some of the most beautiful and compelling accounts of Christ’s teaching, healing, and presence among us. Celebrate that Christ came and moved into the neighborhood!

In much the same way the Magi remind us that Christ was given to all peoples, it’s worth noting that in many parts of the world, the Feast of Epiphany is celebrated with even more joy and color than Christmas Day itself. This season offers a rich opportunity to learn from those traditions. At the bottom of today’s meditation, you’ll find a generous list of ways to celebrate Epiphany. Choose one or two to share with friends or family in the weeks ahead.