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We discussed Christmas, Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord (Dec. 25, Sunday before or on Jan. 6, and the following Sunday) in our last class.  There are five other feast days that we observe through the year that relate to, or are dependent on, the date of Christmas.  They are:

• The Anunciation — March 25
• The Visitation — May 31
• The Birth of John the Baptizer — June 24
• The Presentation of Jesus — February 2
• The Name of Jesus — January 1

Despite the fact that all of these dates derive from the chronology in the Gospel of Luke, some Protestants have traditionally been reluctant to observe them.  This is likely the result of the Reformation instinct to move away from the Roman Catholic tradition.  By failing to celebrate these events, however, we can shortchange ourselves by missing opportunities to fully explore the Gospel narrative and to celebrate the Great Exchange at other times of the year than at Christmas.

The Annunciation.  This feast day falls in the season of Lent, nine months before Christmas Day, except in years when it conflicts with Easter Day or the three days following.  We tend to forget sometimes that Mary was a disciple and an example for us to follow.  If we are to take full account of the miracle of Jesus being truly human and truly divine, this is a day for contemplating that miracle (Luke 1:26-38).

The Visitation.  This day commemorates the visit of Mary to the home of her relative Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56).  This is the occasion on which Mary sings her “Magnificat” (based on the Song of Hannah at the birth of Samuel).  We can use this day to contemplate God’s grace and as a preview of the Beatitudes.

Birth of John the Baptizer.  Just as we don’t really know the date of the Nativity, we don’t know the date of John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:57-80).  Like Christmas, this date has theological significance besides replacing Pagan rituals surrounding the Summer Solstice.  As the days begin to become shorter, we are reminded of John’s words, “He must increase, but I must decrease”.  John 3:30.  The example of the Baptizer could be taken to heart by many who preach the Gospel — the teachings of Christ should be place first and the teacher should stay in the background.

The Name of Jesus.  This day concerns the Jewish rites on the eighth day after the Nativity (Luke 2:21) and serves to remind us of the continuity between Judaism and Christianity.  When it is not observed on a Sunday, but on the actual date assigned to it, it coincides with New Year’s Day.  We can use this occasion to reflect on the fufillment of the old law with the New Covenant of the Good News.

Presentation of Jesus.  Forty days after the Nativity, this day recalls the presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:22-40).  Next time Groundhog Day rolls around we might consider  recalling that this was the occasion for Simeon to proclaim that in Jesus he recognized “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”  Beats a bunch of television cameras waiting on a rat any day, doesn’t it?

So there you have it.  Don’t you think we cheat ourselves and diminish our witness as Christians when we fail to take note of events from the Gospel throughout the year?