Don’t Forget to Say “Merry Christmas!”

12.29.17 | Pulpit Posts

Merry Christmas!

How many times have you heard that greeting since December 26? My bet is not very often. I recently read an article about how the idea that there was a “war on Christmas” got started in conservative evangelical Christian circles. As I read, I was reminded that those who exhort us to “say Merry Christmas again” don’t appear to be very interested in the theological meaning and liturgical timing of Christmas! Instead they are much more focused on the trappings, on consumerism and materialism (presents, lights, decorations, prominent Christmas-only displays), and starting as early in the year as possible — way before Advent, way before Halloween, in fact. Our president has been saying “Merry Christmas” since October! But by the end of Christmas Day, it seems like no one is the least bit interested in saying “Merry Christmas” anymore, and the decorations are already starting to come down.

And yet, as I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, the feast of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, doesn’t actually begin until Christmas Eve. We then have the twelve days of Christmas, what we call Christmastide, culminating in the feast of the Epiphany on January 6. (At Holy Apostles, we’ll transfer the feast to the next day, Sunday, January 7.) Epiphany was originally the bigger feast day than Christmas, and since it is the day we remember the Magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus it has traditionally been an even better day than Christmas for gift-giving.

I’m likely starting to sound like a grumpy Episcopalian by now — but my intent is actually the opposite: to encourage us to keep saying “Merry Christmas” a little longer, during the whole twelve days of Christmastide until Epiphany. And to not just say it, but to continue to celebrate it! In the old days, the twelve days of Christmas were when all the parties were held (rather than our tradition of pushing them into Advent). It may feel a little late to be planning parties, but we hope you will celebrate with us at the Epiphany Party here at Holy Apostles on the afternoon of January 7! And there are surely many other festive things we can do during the twelve days of Christmas. But most importantly, we can make sure that we find something, big or small, to take joy and delight in every day of this Christmas season.

And so, I say to you again, Merry, Merry Christmas!

Rev. Susan Hill

Rev. Susan Hill

THE LATEST

Stay current on activity at the Soup Kitchen, guest stories, thoughts from Clergy, news and events.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.

Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

LEARN MORE

For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

LEARN MORE
Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

LEARN MORE
SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

LEARN MORE
Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

VIEW ALL
Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.