The work of Christmas continues: To make music in the heart

We got Christmas "put away" yesterday -- the tree down, the ornaments packed, and everything lifted back into the attic above the garage. I always have a great sense of accomplishment when Christmas is stored away for the season, and when the task is done it truly feels like the New Year has begun.

That we got Christmas packed up on the Feast of the Epiphany was appropriate, but for us, purely a coincidence. We've had a few years when the last of the Santas didn't get boxed until Valentines Day.

So dear readers, it is true that Christmas is done for another year. But it is also true the work of Christmas continues. A parishioner sent this yesterday as a reminder:

The Work of Christmas
Howard Thurman

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people,
To make music in the heart. 

Source: The Mood of Christmas