This morning I spent some time in our dark, chilly sanctuary packing up the many nativity sets used to celebrate the Christmas season. I don't have room to display them all at home, so I bring my collection over - even the tacky ones. Because the holiday came and went too quickly, I treasured Mary and Joseph as I wrapped them, their newborn, and an odd assortment of angels, magi and a stray plastic firefighter in wads of paper towel, newspaper and bubble wrap.
The twelve days of Christmas are drawing to a close while Epiphany waits in the wings, impatient for its moment to shine before Lent barrels in. I'd like to linger near the manger, wondering about God's preposterous arrival in human flesh, but- alas- the feeding trough with its loose board and fleecy swaddling cloths needs to be packed away. Trees, chrismons, candles, wreaths and glittery angel wings - everything goes. The poinsettias that still need to be delivered to homebound members seem disappointed to be kept waiting, their glory as short-lived as the star of Bethlehem now propped up in a corner.
Few folks see what happens behind the scenes - between the Sundays, between the seasons, between the manger and the cross. I'm guessing that most, like me, prefer decorating to un-decorating, prefer the manger to the crucifixion. But physically packing away one season and unwrapping the next helps me to reflect and rejoice, to mourn and lament, to prepare and anticipate.
Besides, it has never been possible to put Jesus in a box or tuck him away until we are ready to put him on display. His mission of love and justice continues through you and me in every season.
What do you do between the times to reflect and to prepare? And what's your solution for removing candle wax?
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