“Earth is crammed with heaven, and every bush is aflame with the glory of God. But only those who see take of their shoes; the rest just pick the berries.” Elizabeth Browning
Thirteenth day of Christmas! Is there such a thing? There is a parody verse that is sometimes added to the well known 12 days song. The beloved is so overwhelmed by the noisy, messy menagerie of gifts that she wants to return them!
There is a little known “13th day” observation that observes the day following January 5th marked by the Visit of the Magi, as the opening of the magnificent and powerful season of Epiphany (glorious manifestation). It’s as if the Magi, having departed, have left an afterglow from recognising and witnessing the revelation of the divine in the infant Christ. The 13th day prompts us to acknowledge that the depth of meaning in the Christmas season is meant to carry over and permeate every molecule of our being.
Ev’ry bush aflame
Ev’ry molecule dances
All creation sings!
Take off your shoes and sit yourself down – and let the Teacher wash your feet!
Wondering Pilgrim 