It’s the Day After Christmas

It’s the day after Christmas, and how are you feeling? Let me remind you of the hymn by Phillip Brooks, “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

“No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” Jesus came into our broken world to rescue us from our sin and give all who would put their faith in Him a new and vital relationship with God.

Christmas is always a big build-up, and it often seems like a rapid let-down. We work so hard to get all the presents, cook all the food, and then it is gone so quickly. The reason it is gone quickly is that we often prepare for the physical things and omit the real reason for the season. The hymn reminds us that the real reason for the season is that “the dear Christ enters in.” Instead of being “let down” after Christmas, may we be reminded that Christ has come into our sinful world, and “we can receive Him still.” Christmas is not “over,” it has just started! Because Christ has come for the whole world, we can rejoice and be renewed every day because Christmas is not over but rather just beginning.

Isaiah 7:14 says, “The virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” The Gospel of Matthew gives us the meaning of the Hebrew name Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 says it’s “God with us.” God drew near to us through Jesus so we could know Him personally and be with Him forever. His loving presence with us is the greatest gift of all. Christ is with us every day, and we can now celebrate His presence. Christmas isn’t over – it’s just beginning! May this revelation be a “Start-Up” as we face the New Year!

Prayer – Thank you, God, for giving Yourself to each of us through Your life on earth, death on the cross, and resurrection. Help me be excited that Christmas is only beginning! Amen.

Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.”

Author: The Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Halal Design Studio, courtesy of Unsplash