The Third Day of Christmastide: The Feast of Saint John
December 27th is the third day of Christmas. It marks the Feast of Saint John. This day is to celebrate the life and legacy of the beloved apostle. Known for his close relationship with Jesus, Saint John is a figure of love, faith, and witness. His feast is an opportunity to reflect on the deep, abiding love that underpins the Christmas message. It is also a chance to honor the apostle who wrote about that love in his Gospel.
Who Was Saint John?
Saint John was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is often referred to as the “Beloved Disciple.” He was also the brother of Saint James. He is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The Gospel of John emphasizes the theme of divine love. Some of its most famous verses focus on God’s love for the world. An example is, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).
John was present at many key moments in Jesus’s life, including the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. During the Crucifixion, Jesus entrusted John with the care of His mother, Mary. He said, “Woman, here is your son” (John 19:26). This close bond between Jesus and John is a central theme of the feast. It highlights the depth of Jesus’s love. It also emphasizes the importance of love in Christian life.
The Theme of Love in the Feast of Saint John
The Feast of Saint John offers an opportunity to reflect on love. It encompasses both the love of Christ and the love that Christians are called to show one another. In the Gospel, John emphasizes that love is central to the Christian faith. He famously says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God” (1 John 4:7). This message of love is especially resonant in the Christmas season. It is a time when families and communities come together in joy, gratitude, and, most importantly, love.
A Day of Reflection and Prayer
In many Christian traditions, the Feast of Saint John is marked by attending Mass or services dedicated to his memory. It is a time for reflection on the meaning of Christ’s love and how it shapes our daily lives. Many people use this day to meditate on their relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. They consider how they can embody the love that Saint John so passionately spoke about in his writings more fully.
In some places, this day is marked by the reading of the Gospel of John. Some select from his epistles. These writings provide a deep insight into the nature of Christian love. They also illuminate the relationship between Jesus and His followers.
The Traditions of the Feast of Saint John in Tudor England
In Tudor England, the Feast of Saint John was part of the greater Christmastide celebrations. Much like the other feast days of the season, it was a day for rest, prayer, and communal joy. It was a time to gather with family and friends. It offered an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to reflect on the deeper spiritual meanings of the season.
One of the notable traditions was the consumption of special foods. These foods were often carried over from Christmas feasts. Some were newly prepared for the day. It was a time of continued feasting and merriment. These foods were enjoyed in a spirit of celebration. They also provided an opportunity to be generous to others, particularly those in need. This was in keeping with the spirit of Saint Stephen’s Day, which had just passed.
A Modern-Day Reflection on the Feast of Saint John
Today, the Feast of Saint John may not be as widely celebrated as some other days in the Christmas season. It serves as a reminder that love is the central theme that runs through the heart of Christianity. In our busy and often chaotic lives, the Feast of Saint John prompts us to pause. It encourages us to reflect and focus on what truly matters—love.
In these times, the example of Saint John is more important than ever. Division and conflict can often overshadow compassion and understanding. His life teaches us that love is not simply a feeling. It is an active choice to put others before ourselves. It is a choice to forgive. It is also a choice to care for those who need it most. The Feast of Saint John challenges us to love as Jesus loved. It encourages us to go beyond the superficial. We should embrace a deeper, selfless love that transforms both the giver and the receiver.
Living Out the Message of Saint John
The message of Saint John is clear: we are all called to love one another as Christ has loved us. The Feast of Saint John urges us to consider how we can integrate love into our lives. This should happen not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year. We can live out the teachings of Saint John in practical ways. Extend kindness to a stranger. Forgive someone who has wronged us. Spend quality time with loved ones.
As we continue the celebrations of Christmastide, let us take this opportunity to embrace the love that defines the season. Let the example of Saint John inspire us to show love in grand gestures. It should also encourage us in small, everyday acts of kindness. In doing so, we continue the work that John began. We bear witness to the love of Christ. This love transcends all understanding. It is the true heart of Christmas.
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