Happy Christmas to Orthodox Christians

by June Maffin | Jan 6, 2026 | Blogposts

The STAR! The LIGHT! EPIPHANY!

by June Maffin | Jan 6, 2026 | Blogposts

Long ago, it is said, that a star appeared in the sky – a star that was unlike any other. All were amazed – and perhaps, even the lambs. 

Years and years ago, I made this banner for Epiphany, the Season of Light – which begins January 6th for many around the world.

The banner was made out of a black velvet-like fabric and white fabric paint was dabbed on the fabric to create the images. The black velvet-like fabric is fading, the lines of the star are still crooked but every year I take it out and hang it as a gentle reminder of a dreary, wintery weather’s day when I decided to try painting on black velvet-like fabric and the hope and peace that such a reminder of light in the Season of Epiphany brings.

I find Epiphany and its symbolism of ‘light’ to be helpful during the winter months of weather, the winter months of war, and the winter months of the soul, which so many around the world are dealing with these days as democracy is being threatened.

I hope you do, too, and that you bring light into your home in a variety of ways.

May light be within you.
May light be around you.
May light walk before you and walk behind you.
May light envelope, embrace and sustain you and this world.
And may the awe and wonder of the wee lambs as they gazed on the star – the Light – be instilled in the hearts of all so our world is a place of hope, lovingkindness and peace.

Happy Epiphany Season!

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© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/junemaffin

AND NOW – THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS – Begin!

by June Maffin | Dec 25, 2025 | Blogposts

Traditionally, in Christian liturgical tradition, Christmastide (The Season of Christmas) slowly developed … even before the early Middle Ages. By the fourth century, western Christianity had agreed that December 25th was the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ while eastern Christianity emphasized January 6th. Sometime in the medieval period in western Europe, especially in England, Christmas became a twelve day Season from December 25 to January 6th with both cultural celebration and religious observance marked by families getting together with feasting, entertainment, music, and gift-giving.

The song Twelve Days of Christmas (the song’s lyrics were first published in England in the late 18th century by unknown lyricist. The melody was arranged by English composer Frederic Austin in 1909. The song reflected the cultural context by referencing the calendar structure of Christmastide rather than serving as a theological explanation. Bottom lineL the “twelve days,” historically grounded in the Christian liturgical calendar, also reflect a secular time of celebration.

Over the centuries, many have tried various interpretations of the specific listing of the days in the 12 day Season: allegorical … romantic … educational … symbolic … Christian catechism interpretations assigning religious meaning to each gift … modern interpretations.

And that’s where “Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul” entered so on each of the days during the 12 Days of Christmas, a Reflection on one of the 12 Days of Christmas will be published to encourage consideration of how each of the days of Christmas can be applied to present day life by each of us.

The original song included these days:

1. A partridge in a pear tree
2. Two turtle doves
3. Three French hens
4. Four calling birds (often sung as “four colly birds” in older versions)
5. Five gold rings
6. Six geese a-laying
7. Seven swans a-swimming
8. Eight maids a-milking
9. Nine ladies dancing
10. Ten lords a-leaping
11. Eleven pipers piping
12. Twelve drummers drumming
    
    © June Maffin
    https://soulistry.com/blog
    https://soulistry.com/and-now-the-12-days-of-christmas-begin
    
    Special thanks and appreciation to artist Cari Ferraro (https://www.instagram.com/cariscribe/) for permission to use her lovely artwork.

Welcome Christmas Season!

by June Maffin | Dec 25, 2025 | Blogposts

Whether marking the next 12 days as a religious tradition or religious belief, may the Christmas Season (all 12 Days!) be a blessing in ways none of us can imagine.

Let’s think possibilities!

May we enjoy each of the 12 Days of Christmas.

On each of the 12 days of Christmas – December 15 to January 5, a ‘Soulistry’ reflection will be posted here :
… for reflection
… for consideration
… for a gentle and possibly new way to experience Christmas
for 12 days, not just one day!

And then – on to the Season of Epiphany … the Season of Light.
But for now, let’s focus on this Season: the Christmas Season. 🙂
Merry Christmas!

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June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
www.facebook.com/groups/soulistry
soulistryjune@bsky.social

Those Phrases and the “X” in Christmas

by June Maffin | Dec 22, 2025 | Blogposts

Have you read (and heard people complain) about the use of “Xmas” … instead of the use of “Christmas” in advertisements, cards, written greetings?

Have you begun to hear TH​OSE PHRASE​S yet? You know the one​s … “Happy Holidays” ​and “Seasons Greetings” … instead of “Merry Christmas”?

I have, and can’t help but wonder why people get in such a flap over the phrases and spelling. Maybe it’s simply because they don’t know the history?

It seems that many believe that the use of “Xmas” is a recent invention or a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas (by taking ‘Christ’ out of the word). It’s not. So, how about a short bit of history and reality about these two things? Here goes —- way, way back (some say as early as the 1st century) there was a practice of using contractions for divine/sacred names.

Have a look at the image from the Book of Lindisfarne (an Irish monastic foundation) c. 634 AD on the northeast coast of England – aka Holy Island. A lovely place that is filled with history that is palpable and I hope to return some day. 🙂 But, back to the Book of Lindisfarne — this photo is the “Chi-Rho” page and illustrates a distinctive long left leg of the Chi/X – a style also found in the other books: Book of Kells, Book of Durrow, St. Gallen Gospel Book etc..

“X” is a very old abbreviation for the word ‘Christ” which was written in the ancient Greek alphabet (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ – cristos). The first two letters are called ‘Chi’ and ‘Rho’ and formed one of the earliest Christograms – a monogram that formed an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ known as the Chi-Rho. So, not a “modern” invention and not a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas. 

By the way, ‘Christ’ wasn’t a family name/surname. It was a title meaning ‘anointed’. If you doubt that, check out Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage (Merriam-Webster, 1994) which states that for many, many years, words like Christian and Christianity were written as Xtian, Xtianity.

Now, what about the use of “Happy Holidays,” and “Seasons Greetings,” rather than “Merry Christmas”?

Those phrases aren’t an attempt to remove the religious meaning of Christmas. Rather, they’re meant to acknowledge that at this time of the year, several religions have celebrations (holidays) – not just Christians. The use of “Happy Holidays – Seasons Greetings” acknowledge the reality that we don’t always know what others are celebrating, or even ‘if’ they are celebrating. And as there are days set aside as national holidays in the month of December, it’s very appropriate to wish people “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” in general, and if they know what the other is celebrating, to wish them a specific greeting of “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa.”

I don’t know who created this chart, but I like it. If anyone knows who created it, please let me know so I can give appropriate accreditation. Thank you.

There is soooo much angst in this world. People are concerned and troubled and stressed and fearful. Let’s not add to the negativity.

Instead, when someone wishes us a special greeting this month, (whether or not we are observing that specific celebration,) may we, welcome the gesture and the good intention behind it, and be gracious, be gentle and be kind in response.

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© June Maffin
https://www.soulistry.com/blog
@soulistryjune.bsky.social

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Where There Is Darkness – light

by June Maffin | Dec 16, 2025 | Blogposts

In this part of the world – the days are short – the nights are long – the weather is dreary.
Many are experiencing darkness regardless of the weather, the time of the year/day.
Darkness of the soul. Darkness of the mind. Darkness.

When the darkness seems to permeate, infiltrate, engulf,
we must bring the light.
we must send the light.
we must be the light.

We can be the light as we
focus on goodness
not evil.

We can be the light as we
offer a listening ear
offer healing energy to a troubled world.
hold the light for others, be present, be honest, be kind, be thoughtful.

We can be the light and reflect the Light of Hope and possibility
by speaking up
by speaking out
by peaceful protest.

Where there is darkness …
may we bring the light.
Where there is darkness …
may we send the light.
Where there is darkness …
may we *be* the light.

May we offer healing energy, prayer good thoughts.
and focus on goodness
even in the face of evil.

Don’t let the darkness of social media, the weather, conversations win.
LIGHT – not darkness must be our focus.
May our mantra be:
Seek the light,
Share the light.
Be the light
Welcome the Light.

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© June Maffin
https://soulistry.com/blog
@soulistryjune.bsky.social
https://soulistry.com/where-there-is-darkness