I remember it was last August, in the heat of summer with 100+ temperatures in Texas, I saw my first glimpse of preparations for Christmas. The store where I was shopping had already cleared out the seasonal section to begin the merchandising build up for Christmas shoppers. Since then, we have had weeks of anticipation and we were reminded once again that every kiss begins with jewelry. We’ve also had very meaningful times of worship and celebration with family and friends. Certainly for me, this has been a wonderful year of remembering the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
But today is December 26. Now that Christmas Day is over, it seems that Jesus is just so… yesterday. Many have already boxed up their decorations until next year. The world is ready to move on to New Year’s Eve and all that the new year will demand. So, what’s next…?
Not so fast.
Jesus isn’t out of the manger and we’re ready to move on?
Our family went Christmas caroling tonight, yes, December 26, and although it did seem a little weird at first, I really liked it. Perhaps Christmas should linger in our minds longer than just one day. Christmas should remain in our hearts long after the shepherds return to their fields (Luke 2:20). We should search for the star over Bethlehem for more than 24 hours after Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:1-2).
Before you move on to the next big thing, let the wonder of Immanuel stay with you just a few more days. Don’t take the Christmas decorations down at least until all the leftovers are gone from the fridge. And before you box up Christmas for another year (or at least until August) take a few more quiet moments to let the Incarnation boggle your mind and change your perspective (Philippians 2:5-11). Like Mary, treasure all these things about Jesus in your heart and meditate on them a few days more (Luke 2:19). And like the shepherds, we have some more praising to do and some people to tell about all we have seen and heard in the days leading up to Christmas Day.
Let’s keep singing with the angelic chorus:
Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people He favors!
Jesus is so…yesterday. But He’s also today. And He’ll be with us forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Follow me as I follow the star that leads us to Bethlehem – to Jesus. Merry Christmas… still.
following Jesus 