The Days After Christmas
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
Do you ever get the Christmas let-down? Or the after-Christmas-blues?
I think our tendency to build toward huge events sets the stage for normal events to be somewhat deflating. Once the fun and excitement is over, then what?
In today’s passage we eavesdrop on an important declaration from the angels announcing Christ’s birth. As they praised God, they reminded us of an all-important truth. Because Jesus was born, men have the opportunity for peace and favor from God.
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- His goodwill- 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.
12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
John 1:12-13 (NIV)
Are you experiencing the post Christmas let down? Lift up your eyes today! The truth of Christmas is with you! This day you can walk in peace and favor with God!
Dear Lord, I pray for anyone struggling with disappointment, depression or despondency. Touch them with the truth of your birth in the depths of their soul. Let them experience your nearness in newfound wonder and in the weightiness of truth! Unfold the mysteries from the manger to the cross in their hearts, in the matchless name of Jesus, I pray! Amen.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I have never thought about the long period of ‘normal’ days between His birth and His ministry and sacrifice for us.
What a great reminder that Jesus’ birth is just the beginning, and that we need to keep our eyes fixed on above.
Happy New Year, Sherri.