Michaelmas, September 29

Michaelmas: Courage for the Journey

September 29 is known in the Christian calendar as the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, or simply Michaelmas. The name literally means “the Mass of Michael.” Traditionally, it honors the archangel Michael—“Mi-cha-el” in Hebrew meaning Who is like God?—who is depicted as a warrior angel standing strong against the dragon. St. George is seen as an earthly manifestation of St. Michael, the archangel. So, the story told at Michaelmas is of St. George and the dragon.  

Now, to be clear: this is not a United Methodist feast day, nor is it even a Protestant observance. But the Waldorf community, which we were a small part of for the boys preschool years, has kept this festival alive in a beautiful way, and I have come to adore it. 

Each year, the story of St. George and the dragon is told or acted out—sometimes with children forming the walls of the city, a dragon prowling outside, and the knight stepping forward with courage to protect the people. 

The story is dramatic, but it is also deeply true. Every life faces dragons: fear, self-doubt, anger, laziness, despair. These dragons can feel overwhelming. And yet, Michaelmas reminds us that courage, truth, and light are given to us for the fight. Dragons may roar, but they can be defeated.

As G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” Meaning that fairy tales are more than true because they offer hope and confirmation that evil can be defeated. That is the heart of Michaelmas. We do not need to be taught that fear and struggle exist...we know it well. What we need is the annual reminder that God gives us courage, that the light shines in the darkness, and that dragons, in the end, can be overcome.

As autumn deepens and the days grow shorter, I am grateful for this festival. I cherish its story, its truth, and its hope. Year after year, it whispers the promise we all need to hear: the dragons do not win. Dragons. Do. Not. Win.  Amen.