Ordinary Time

This past Sunday marks the Ordinary Time. It is a little sad to be done with Christmas and all the celebrations- both liturgically and in the rest of my life. On the other hand, it is a relief to be heading back into “real” life. I absolutely love Christmas- I love the liturgies, the reason we celebrate in all of it’s mystery, the decorations, the parties, seeing family, giving gifts, special baking… yeah, I really do love it all. And yet, it does add a lot of activity and chaos into those few weeks surrounding it so that once it is done, you can breathe a sigh of relief. No parties or required functions for at least a month!

This week I took down the Christmas tree, the living room is back to normal, and I need to pack up the rest of the decorations. 

And yet on a deeper level, we aren’t supposed to just celebrate Christmas with all of it’s fanfare and then move on. Go back to “real” life as though it never happened. We are supposed to move forward stronger, more hopeful, more filled with that Babe who was born in Bethlehem so long ago, more empowered to go forth and be the Light that shines in the darkness to those around us. I’m thinking about leaving my nativity up for awhile. I need that reminder. The humble beginnings. The beautiful simplicity of Mary just gazing at her newborn babe. I need to be there- gazing at the King. Taking time to just be filled with his sweetness and his presence so I can be about the work he is calling me to.

Happy Ordinary Time! Come Lord Jesus!