I
really enjoy Christmas. I always have, and I hopefully always will. Whether it
is the nostalgia from watching childhood Christmas specials, the excitement of
our own children, or the tastes of the season’s dishes, I try to slow down and
take it all in. Have a cup of hot chocolate. Watch a cheesy Hallmark movie. For
as many Christmases as I can remember, the buildup is exciting, and there is
always a touch of sadness when the holidays are over.
Putting
away the decorations means I won’t see them for eleven more months. I won’t be
signing along to Bing Crosby until after Thanksgiving. The joy and excitement
that dominated the previous month quickly dissipates as we settle back into the
grind of life, the not-quite-as-jolly routine that is January through
mid-November.
But
there is good news. Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean that what we
celebrate is likewise over. If you are like me and get a little down after
Christmas, just remember what Christmas is about. The birth of Jesus continues
to change us throughout the year, not just in December. I want to share with
you a poem I wrote called “When the Last Present’s Been Opened.”
Stores
are overcrowded, fights are breaking out.
I’ve
got so many things to do, I just want to stop and shout.
But
it’s OK because Christmas time is here;
In
the midst of all this chaos, there’s still holiday cheer.
The
gifts are piling up underneath the tree,
Children
shake them eagerly, wondering what they might be.
The
entire Christmas season always goes by fast,
And
it won’t be long at all until the season is past.
When
the last present’s been opened, and the gifts are given away,
The
decorations have come down; there’s no “Merry Christmases” left to say.
There’s
no more “Season’s Greetings;” no more Christmas cheer.
The
spirit of the season won’t be back for another year.
When
there are no more Christmas parties, no more carols left to sing,
Take
joy in knowing this: Jesus is still the King!
May
we continue to celebrate the Savior all year.
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