Today, when the conventional American thinks of Christmas, they recollect what has been taught to us as tradition: Santa Claus, elves, or even gingerbread men. All of these amusing, yet faulty, aspects of Christmas have grown dear to the American people, but what is it that we should actually be enjoying and listening for during this Christmas season? The Christmas season consists of 12 celebratory days that acknowledge Jesus, the son, but the 11th day of Christmas in particular is a time of listening. The Christmas season is a time to celebrate the birth, death, resurrection, and coming of Jesus. These celebrations are filled with many bright sounds like music, laughter, the joyful cheer of pure enjoyment, and even the sound of crackling warm fire. The faintest, yet most impactful sound to listen for, however, is the Incarnation of Jesus.

We hear and see the presence of Jesus as we observe and listen to where the Incarnation is presently happening in our lives. We hear Jesus’ divine voice in the world he created. Psalm 19 explains in depth the significance of God’s creation and how we should rejoice in the Lord’s strength, and the beauty of His presence. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” This verse provides context of where we can find the “Divine” breaking into the world. Hearing and finding the voice of God isn’t difficult but requires us to be faithful listeners and good observers. Anything and everything that is a part of God’s creation is where we can listen for the Incarnation of Jesus. Psalm 19 continues, “Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” These few verses in particular can help us understand that the voice of God is revealed day to day, and God’s knowledge is revealed night to night. The point made is that the voice of the Incarnation of Jesus is present on Earth, occupying our most inner spaces and is actively present in if we have ears to hear. Thus the Eleventh Day invites us to listen and to look for all the places where Jesus’ presence is breaking into our world. Looking and listening is how we prepare for the final days of the Christmas season (Epiphany Eve). It is in actively looking and listening that each of us will come to notice the distinct voice of the Incarnation of our Savior, the one and only, Jesus Christ.

“Dear Lord, I pray that with this Christmas season comes a time of… Peace. I thank you for allowing us to continue to worship you whether that’s day to day or on special celebrations as such. Allow your goodness, your love, and your flawless will to be illuminated this Christmas season. I ask that you allow us to have the discernment to distinguish your voice in this world of tumultuous chaos. Allow your voice to be heard in the music we listen to this Christmas season, in the beautiful nature you have allowed us, and in the voices and laughter of those we love dearest. Amen.”

Tradition:

As you may know, the 11th day is a day of listening for the distinct voice of Jesus. As you partake in this year’s Christmas tradition by listening to your favorite jingles or singing along with family and friends, keep in mind the voice of Jesus. Listen for him around you, in any and all things. Music, especially songs that glorify the Lord’s goodness, would be key places to begin searching for the voice of Jesus.