When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. (Matthew 2:16)

              Writer and theologian Howard Thurman reminds us that after the songs of the angels have stilled, after the star in the sky is gone, after the magi have returned to their home by another road, “the work of Christmas begins.” Today is that day.

              Today is the Day of Epiphany which means the Twelve Days of Christmas have come to an end. I imagine for many people, the tree is down, the decorations back in storage, and with the warmer weather coming this week, soon those outside lights will be packed away as well.

              Gifts have likely been put to use or played with. Some are probably broken already. The cardboard boxes have been broken down and are ready for recycling. The only sign of Christmas may be those red and green M&M’s in the candy bowl on the counter.

              So today the work of Christmas begins, which as Thurman tells us, is the work of healing, feeding, releasing, rebuilding, peacemaking, and making music in the heart.

              But that’s hard work. And there’s eleven months before we get to bring out the decorations and kindle the angel’s songs once again. We have more than 300 days until the star appears in the sky again. We need something to strengthen us, to encourage us, to carry us forward.

              Can we carry with us the awe of the shepherds as they encountered those angels in the fields with their sheep?

              Can we carry with us the wonder of Mary who pondered all these things in her heart?

              Can we carry with us the joy of the magi as we follow that light of Christ we witnessed on Christmas Eve?

              Yes, the work of Christmas has begun. But with the awe, wonder, and joy of Christmas held firmly in our hearts, that work may not be so overwhelming after all.