I love Christmas! I can definitely do without the constant Christmas songs over the past month on every radio station, but I DO enjoy this season. I mean, how much Mariah Carey can one person take? I love her Christmas album, but we all have our limits.
Christmas is a beautiful time of year where we exchange fun gifts that we will bless the people we most love. It’s so wonderful to see the eyes of our children glow with excitement as they open their presents and play with their new toys. I love giving our older children presents that they knew they were getting, but were still excited to receive them. It’s funny how it works, but it’s just a blessing to be a blessing.
But what about the day AFTER?
But I was thinking a lot about the day after Christmas (or any other big holiday or event for that matter). There’s all this build-up and anticipation beforehand! Then you get to the day and it’s so great! And then the day is over, and now what?
I’ll never forget hearing the great Walter Payton talk about winning the Super Bowl. For those of you who know about the Chicago Bears and the Super Bowl Shuffle, you are my people! I honestly know little to nothing about football, but I know the 87′ Bears. I remember listening to an interview by Payton after their huge Super Bowl win, sitting in the locker room. He was on such a high! But then as he sat there, he thought to himself, so that’s it? Now what?
It’s so easy to get caught up with the next exciting event or the next big thing to do. I’m not arguing that some of these things aren’t good and shouldn’t be enjoyed! Like I said earlier, I love Christmas and all that it entails! However, toys break. New clothes get old. The shiny new device will be outdated in about 6 months.
Temporary
On this earth, everything is temporary. But you know what is so incredible? That baby that was born so long ago is the absolute best gift we could ever receive because He will NEVER old. He will always continue to give us what we most need – grace, love, and most importantly, forgiveness of our sin.
Whether or not we realize it, that baby was the best gift humanity has ever and will ever, receive. He is our hope. He is our Peace. No one can take Him away from us. Despite the fact that none of us deserve the grace of God, He gives it to us freely. He is a good, good father. He loves us, even when we were His enemies (Romans 5:8).
I pray that we all remember the greatest gift of all, the day after Christmas and every day after. The gifts we receive, even the very best ones, are but a shadow of the greatness of the best gift of all – Jesus.
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
Luke 2:10 – 14
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Happy Post Christmas Day everyone!!
