Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Old Christmas Eve

The Eve of Epiphany

Today, the Eve of Epiphany, was Old Christmas Eve to the pioneer mountain folk of Appalachia. On this night they knew the Holy Spirit to be abroad in the land, with manifestations unknown at any other time or season. At the exact stroke of midnight, when Old Christmas begins, God's lowly beasts and creatures around the world begin to pray. We may hear them if we quietly listen. We hear their soft animal crys of praise to God if we listen with faith. We understand their words if we listen with our hearts. For in Bethlehem, so long ago, the beasts of the stable witnessed the birth of Mary's son, and they were present when God revealed the Christ Child to the three king seekers.

Today, people no longer celebrate Old Christmas. However, wondrous happenings can still be witnessed by those bravehearts who seek to find the truth for themselves, on Old Christmas Eve. ~~Neddy

    When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ~~Matthew 2: 9-11

Pepys' Diary ~ 6 January 1659/60

Old Christmas Eve

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