"For most of us in the US, despite the popularity of the "12 Days" carol, Christmas only lasts about 24 hours. Christmas trees are swiftly removed after the Nativity, decorations packed away as quickly as possible, and twinkling festive lights unplugged and tangled back up in their plastic bins. School is back in session and pink Valentine's Day hearts and chocolate candies greet you at the front of every shop. 

"This singular emphasis on the Nativity is not universal.  In Puerto Rico, for example, Christmas celebrations build through December until January 6, Dia de los Reyes Magos-the Epiphany. Straw is left about as a sign of the journey to the stable and kids leave a box of grass under their beds as they go to sleep awaiting the arrival of the hungry horses of the magi. Families write letters to the Wise Men outlining their wishes. In the morning, the letters and grass have been exchanged for gifts and treats.

"Those twelve days between the Nativity and the arrival of the wise men following a star represent an important journey. We move from the awe of a baby being born who is to be "God with us" to the dawning of the understanding that the Messiah is in our midst. These twelve days, this hike to a stable in Bethlehem-this is us walking toward God, trying to find our way in a new world by setting our eyes on the child. Jesus will soon be on the move himself when his family is exiled to Egypt. It will not be his only exile. It seems the Christian life is full of walking toward a destination God has called us to only to find that forces of empire demand a new course." (Rev. Canon Amy Coltas)   

"Formation of Grace Youth and Family Council became official on November 13, 2016.  Numerous outreach efforts and verbal commitments reaching over 8 family units with children and purposely stated minimum gross estimate of 20+ people were completed at that time (exact numbers can be provided).  Since the inception the council has moved forward in the evolution of being and presence.  Three events have been offered inclusively to reach out to not only children and family, but the broader community as well.  

"Prior to the start of Advent we hosted an Advent Family Activity that encouraged community sharing and intentional learning for the coming church season and birth of Christ.  The event was well attended by both children and adults.  Reverend Alice Nichols took time to paint and read with children and a staff accompanying the Bishop even took time to paint and share, commenting that this was a wonderful event.  

"In December, Council members decided to have a fun games and activity night for kids while they were on Christmas Break.  The event was intentional for building community and fostering good fun and relationships for the long-term.  The attendance level was great and accompanied by lots of smiles and joyful sharing.  The event correlated dates with The Feast of The Holy Innocents. 

"The New Year kicked off on World Peace Day with our third event which was centered on inviting others to join with us in taking a pledge to build an active culture of nonviolence.  The meeting was a wonderful success with pledges of commitment spanning across 5 counties and two states where seeds were planted in fertile hearts that will be tended and watered.  Those seeds will grow.  We are looking forward to this growth, joining our forces with others, planting, tending, and seamlessly weaving, making a better world for all...here, there, and everywhere.  We invite you to share and grow with us.  Let us walk together in love, embodying the principles of The Jesus Movement, honoring the vows of our baptismal covenant."

In 1998 (hardly new!), the Episcopal Church published a supplement to the BCP which includes three alternative Eucharistic services--entitled Enriching Our Worship 1.  Many churches have been using these liturgies regularly and finding the language to be a refreshing change.  We will be using one of these Eucharistic prayers on Sunday mornings during the season after Epiphany until the beginning of Lent on March 1.  Listen carefully.  Some of the changes are subtle, so see if you catch the significance of them.