Number Eight

            The Eighth day is the day of resurrection, the day of new creation.  This is the beginning of new creation as her king is only eight days new.  His birth was announced by fearsome angels and smelly, grass-stained shepherds.  His coronation begins with a torturous death.  But enough of that…there are still a few twinkling lights to be glimpsed.  Perhaps a forgotten present under the dresser? 

            Here in the midst of Christmas as we move toward Epiphany/Theophany it is the feasts of Basil, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Seraphim of Sarov, to mention only three.  Eight milking maids, eight beatitudes, eight days a week?  Though the insects claimed to be bigger than Jesus, no one receives a day off from work for John Lennon’s birthday. 

            Are you like Scrooge, are you still keeping Christmas in your heart and in your home.  Or are you like Madison Avenue, thinking about St. Valentine and his cash-laden feast day?