If you already took your Christmas tree down then today would be a great day to grab it out of the trash and put it back where it belongs!
Just because December 25th is now 2 weeks behind us doesn’t mean that Christmas is over, especially if you’re from Ukraine.
In Ukraine we celebrate Christmas on January 7th which has something to do with the differences between the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar.
We’ve noticed a few benefits to celebrating Christmas later.
1. It takes the pressure off. Since Christmas comes after New Years much of the pre-holiday madness has already quieted down.
2. There’s less commercialization. That means you get to simply focus on Jesus instead of packaging up presents.
3. It starts your year off right. There’s something special about the first holiday of the new year being Christmas!
4. It reminds us that as followers of Christ we ought to make everyday a celebration of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
Our church, Hope for People, in Odessa, Ukraine used January 7th as an opportunity to reach out to the neighborhood with the Christmas story. They held a Christmas parade in the church yard. They did a great job with the costumes, the animals and with getting the message of the gospel out.
Question: Would you please take some time and pray for that God would work in the hearts of those who attended the Christmas outreach in Ukraine today?
Dan Erickson
January 8, 2014I’ve heard that Jesus was likely actually born in the Spring. Whenever he was born it’s good to celebrate. Merry Christmas!
Caleb
January 8, 2014I think no one knows for sure exactly when Jesus was born but more likely than not it wasn’t on December 25th or on January 7th.
floyd
January 8, 2014I’d never heard of that, but kinda makes sense! Praying for the people our Father placed in your heart.
Caleb
January 8, 2014Floyd, don’t worry you’re not the only one who didn’t know that most of the Russian world celebrates Christmas on January 7th. Thanks for your prayers!
DS
January 8, 2014When we first heard of this it kind of threw us off, but not as much as Ethiopia being on a different year than the rest of the world. Thanks for sharing this production and perspective.
Caleb
January 8, 2014You’re welcome David! Many blessings to you as you spend time with those Ukrainian kids!
Dave Arnold
January 9, 2014Good points you made, Caleb. There is a lot of pressure right up to Christmas and then CRASH – it’s over. Good reminder that it’s really about Jesus… all the time 🙂
Caleb
January 9, 2014That crash is exactly what I’m talking about. When we celebrate in Ukraine it seems so much more unrushed and calm.
TCAvey
January 9, 2014Love #4. Daily we should celebrate Christ and keep Him the main focus on what we do and say.
Just prayed for you all. God bless and Happy New Year.
Caleb
January 9, 2014Thanks for your prayers TC, we appreciate it. My wife is speaking to a women’s group as I write this. Blessings to you!
Dan Black
January 9, 2014How interesting, I never new people in Ukraine celebrated Christmas two weeks later (I learned something new today:) I’m sure it’s less stressful due to having the Holiday hype already over. Thank you for sharing.
Caleb
January 9, 2014Dan, I’m glad you were able to learn something new from my blog! Blessings to you in 2014
Dan Black
January 9, 2014Thank you:)