The first Sunday after Christmas is known as the Feast of the Holy Family. It is a Christian celebration that focuses on the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and their journey to Egypt following Christ’s birth. This feast is typically observed on or near December 30th each year. It provides an opportunity to meditate on the importance of families in our faith, as well as reflect on how we can bring the love and peace of God into our own families.
In today’s Gospel, John is portraying Jesus as the ultimate expression of God’s communication and revelation to the world by referring to him as the Word. This reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just a historical figure but an eternal being who has always been a part of God’s plan for humanity. The message here is one of divine love and grace, as God himself took on human form to bring salvation and redemption to all. Through the Word, all things were made, highlighting Jesus’ role in creation and affirming His divine authority and power. This echoes the message in Colossians 1:16-17, which speaks of Christ’s involvement in creating and sustaining the universe. The subsequent verses speak of life and light, portraying Jesus as the source of spiritual life and enlightenment for all mankind. The ongoing battle between light and darkness is depicted, with the assurance that the light will ultimately prevail.
When we think of Christmas, there are many images and symbols that flood to mind, but no symbol is more prominent to the meaning of Christmas than light. Light has been equated with God from the beginning of the creation accounts in the Book of Genesis. Light as a symbol is seen throughout the Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, is known by many titles, but no title is more important at Christmas than Jesus Christ – Light of the World. In our ancient Nicene Creed, we profess our belief in Christ who is described as “begotten of the Father – God from God, light from light.”
Light is seen throughout our religious and cultural celebration of Christmas. Whether it is the lighting of the Advent wreath that symbolizes the coming of the light or the lighting of Christmas trees throughout the world, light is synonymous with both Advent and Christmas. Think too of the comfort and warmth of a fire during the holiday season as friends and family gather around to share love and fellowship.
The light of Christ in the New Year is a metaphor of the power of faith and love. It symbolizes the hope and guidance that Christ brings.
From St. Stephen’s Church, Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Christmas!
The First Sunday After Christmas
The Collect:
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The First Sunday After Christmas
The Gospel: John 1:1-18
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
15(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”)16From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
How to celebrate the First Sunday after Christmas:
Spiritual & Reflective Celebrations
- Focus on the Holy Family: Pray for your own family, using the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for life and love.
- Embrace “After-Christmas”: Remember the Christmas season actually lasts until Epiphany (Jan 8th); keep decorations up and use lesser-known Christmas carols.
- Seek Quiet & Grace: Use this Sunday for rest, reflection on compassion, kindness, and setting aside unrealistic expectations for the new year.
- Homecoming Theme: Reflect on finding a “home” in God’s grace and community, welcoming others and being welcomed.
Family & Fun Activities
- Visit Light Displays: Take a family trip to see Christmas lights or other festive displays.
- Bake & Share: Make cookies or other treats, perhaps as a “delayed” Christmas activity.
- Create a Family Mission: Write a family mission statement for the New Year, inspired by the Holy Family.
- “Dream Home” Activity: For youth or families, design a “dream home” to symbolize finding belonging and grace.
Worship & Music Ideas
- Special Hymns: Sing carols like “Joy to the World,” “People Look East,” or “All Creatures of Our God and King”.
- Theme of Creation: Focus on creation’s praise through Psalms (like Psalm 148) and Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Creatures”.
- Focus on Anna & Simeon: Reflect on their story of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of hope.
Key Themes for the Day
New Beginnings: Putting on new garments of humility and love for the year ahead.
Grace & Unburdening: Letting go of stress and embracing love and forgiveness.
Home & Belonging: Finding sanctuary and acceptance.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 