Marking the Octave of Christmas
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:5
The Isaiah verse that lists names of Jesus is my favorite part of Handel’s Messiah and a perfect verse for today. The Prince of Peace is indeed a wonderful counselor to us.
Christmas BEGINS today. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like it that Christmas music disappears from the airwaves on Dec. 26. I’m just now in the mood to listen to the Messiah and other Christmas classics. Although we have had the wonderful season of Advent to prepare our hearts, we need to take some time to enjoy the great gift of our Prince.
Marking the Octave of Christmas is one way to extend the celebration. An octave is the eight-day period the Church recognizes after both Christmas and Easter. The Octave of Christmas concludes with the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on January 1.
Why an octave? It’s part of the church’s built-in pattern, says CatholicCulture.org, quoting Rev. Pius Parsch from The Church’s Year of Grace:
“Mother Church is a good psychologist; she understands human nature perfectly. When a feast comes, the soul is amazed and not quite prepared to think profoundly upon its mystery; but on the following days the mind finds it easy to consider the mystery from all sides, sympathetically and deeply; and an eighth day affords a wonderful opportunity to make a synthesis of all points covered.”
That’s exactly how I feel. The magic of Christmas has only begun to dawn on me. If you’re fortunate, the days of the octave are lower key than the days leading up to Christmas. (Personally, I block Dec. 26 to “read, nap, repeat” since I usually get books for Christmas.) How can you make the most of this time?
Finish What You Started
Maybe you started an Advent devotional or program and got distracted (asking for a friend). Take the time during the octave to finish it up. The wisdom of Advent can apply throughout the year.
I highly recommend the Advent content Catholic Women in Business posted during the season. Our writing team did a fantastic job with our theme: Practicing the Beatitudes While You Wait. Coincidentally (or not) there are eight Beatitudes! The wisdom in these pieces is truly timeless. See below for all the links.
Start Something New
If you’ve resolved to create a new habit of prayer or Scripture reading, there’s no rule that says you have to wait until Jan. 1. Get a jump on that Bible in a Year reading (or listening) plan. You’ll be a few days ahead when the kids have a snow day and you miss Jan. 26 or Feb. 12.
Start a new tradition. There aren’t any rules about baking Christmas cookies only before Christmas. The same goes for singing carols, crafting décor with your children or anything else that “typically” happens in December. If you’re not a reader, maybe this is the week you have a board game tournament with your kids.
Start something new for your business by subscribing to the free CWIB newsletter and joining the free Facebook group.
Whatever you do, remember that the world is different today. Jesus is HERE! He came just for you and he loves you so much. May you be blessed on your journey to live everyday in that truth.
Merry Christmas!
Practicing the Beatitudes While You Wait
Poverty of Spirit Requires Humility
Cultivating the Virtue of Meekness
Can Living the Beatitudes Bring Peace?
A Review of Eight Promises of God
Saint Lucy: Be the Light through the Beatitudes
Living the Beatitudes with Joy
Giving the Gift of Wise Counsel This Advent
The Managing Editor of Catholic Women in Business, Sharon Bengel is a cradle Catholic with more than 30 years of experience in writing, communications and publication design. A recovering newspaper reporter with a crush on the prophet Jeremiah, Sharon loves discovering new things about the scriptures. She runs an LLC out of her home office in southwest Ohio where she keeps a stash of chocolate for her grandkids.