The Rev Ashton Williston's Sermon on December 28, 2025

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, the Rev. Ashton Willson, Associate Rector of Christ Church, Frederica on St. Simons Island, invites us to pause and ask an important question: What do we do after Christmas Day? As the glow of candlelight fades, gifts are unwrapped, and the calendar begins to shift toward the next event, this sermon reminds us that Christmas is not a moment to be completed, but a season—and a way of living. Drawing on the Gospel of John’s poetic Christmas proclamation—“In the beginning was the Word…”—Mother Ashton explores Christmas as an ongoing act of creation and re-creation. Rather than focusing on shepherds or angels, John’s Gospel places the Incarnation within the language of Genesis and creation itself. The Word becoming flesh is not simply a historical event, but God’s continuing gift of life, light, and divine presence in the world. Through this lens, Christmas becomes what the early Church called a festival of re-creation, where divinity and humanity are woven together in what St. Gregory of Nyssa described as a holy humanity. This sermon challenges us to rethink how we see ourselves and one another. If the Word truly became flesh and dwelt among us, then humanity itself becomes sacramental—an outward and visible sign of God’s grace. We are invited to recognize the image of God in ourselves, our neighbors, strangers, and even those we struggle to love. Quoting Howard Thurman’s The Work of Christmas, Mother Ashton reminds us that when the angels’ songs fade and the decorations come down, the real work begins: healing, loving, feeding, restoring, and making space for God’s presence wherever we go. Christmas, she reminds us, is not something we pack away. It is something we live. #ChristmasSeason #FourthDayOfChristmas #Incarnation #TheWordMadeFlesh #HolyHumanity #GodWithUs #ImageOfGod #WorkOfChristmas #EpiscopalChurch #ChristChurchFrederica #StSimonsIsland #LiveChristmas If this sermon inspired you, please like and share this video to help spread the message that Christmas is a season meant to be lived. Follow Christ Church, Frederica to stay connected with worship, sermons, and reflections throughout the year. Connect with Us: • Website: www.ccfssi.org • Service Schedule: https://ccfssi.org/schedule/ • Facebook: www.facebook.com/christchurchfrederica • Instagram:   / ccfssi   • YouTube:    / @christchurchfredericaepisc5400