The Day After Christmas

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:9-13 ESV).

Our Christmas season has ended with some very eventful things. It was a wonderful season for us. However, since our tendency is to build toward these momentous events the stage is set for normal events to be deflating. It is natural to ask once the fun and excitement is over, then what? We all face the temptation to end Christmas too soon. The Good News of Christmas did not end in a stable in Bethlehem. Instead, that was the beginning of an epic true story that would be played out for over two thousand years! Jesus came, in an unassuming and humble way. He came in the tender state of a newborn. But the entirety of the promise of Messiah was present in the manger. Mankind just had to wait patiently as the story unfolded for over 30 years. After their fateful meeting, life resumed as normal for the wise men. The humdrums of life in the field continued for the shepherds. Simeon and Anna went back to their everyday lives, though strengthened by the promise that they had witnessed. Joseph and Mary alone experienced the obvious permanent change in their lives. But the truth of his miraculous birth and majestic reign were still a reality in the uneventful normalcy that defined most of His next 30 years. Life happens between the highpoints. Most of life is lived in the work-a-day reality. But none of these tangible realities can touch the intangible truth that Messiah has come. And because He was born and lived a sinless life, dying as the unblemished sacrifice- we can enjoy the peace of God and peace with God. Oh, but it does not end there! We can walk in his favor every day of our lives! He came and was not received in the inn. He was not received by high society. He was received by the shepherds. So, if you’re experiencing the let-down of Christmas, family and friends have departed, the joy seems to have evaporated in the daily plodding of your journey, please be encouraged with this simple truth. God is now forever with you. This day you can walk in peace and favor with God!