Even though Christmas Day has passed, Jesus’ story continues.
I spent a good chunk of yesterday taking down my Christmas decorations. I find that most people fit into two camps with Christmas decorations. There are those who can’t wait to get them taken down and get their houses back in order and there are those who like to leave them up as long as possible in order to squeeze every drop out of the holiday season.
Personally, I have to take mine down by New Year’s because my daddy drummed it into my head while I was growing up that they had to be down by New Year’s Eve or it was bad luck. I have no idea where that superstition came from, but my tree is down. I’m sure my daddy is proud.
While putting up decorations is always fun and exciting and finding extra help from children or teens who live in your house is always easy. Finding help taking them down can be like living in a ghost town. It’s a chore; not a fun event. We plan the big meal and plan for family and we plan for the perfect gifts for our loved ones to go under our trees. We go to church and sing Christmas carols and then it’s done. Now what do we do?
Not one radio station is playing Christmas music today. It can be a little bit depressing. But, I remind myself that a lot goes into planning for any new birth. We attend birthing classes. We read parenting books. We have baby showers. We prepare a room.
Ask any mama; no matter how difficult the birth of a child was; the birthing is easy compared to raising a child. But, the rewards and blessings are greater too. After all of the preparation, we eventually bring the baby home.
So, instead of being sad about Christmas being over, I think it’s important to remember that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s a beginning, not an isolated event. The baby that we have spent so much time and preparation for has an awesome story.
If you are feeling a little wistful about the passing of Christmas, pick up a Bible and check out one of the Gospels. The tiny babe from the manger walks on water, heals many, casts out demons, raises people from the dead and eventually dies for us all, so that we may live eternally.
The Christmas story is just beginning, even though the decorations have been put away and we are invited to come along and see what unfolds. If you take the journey with the Baby Jesus who becomes the man; you will be forever changed and that is the true miracle of Christmas. What do you think? Feel free to share.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂