The Day After Christmas

Dear Friends,

I’ve never liked the day after Christmas.

December is a delightful flurry of activity. Christmas shopping, decorating, preparations, and the rush of year end assignments at work. I’m always wishing for a few extra days, or at least the chance to savor more fully the joy of the holiday season. Then comes Christmas Day.

It still seems magical to me. Time with family, special gifts. Atmosphere, special food and music. We tell the Christmas story and marvel at the birth of Christ.

And then, just like that, it is all over.

Now there is a house to clean and dishes to put away. Bills still need to be paid and the trash can is overflowing with Christmas debris. The needles start falling off the tree and clogging the vacuum cleaner. Normal life returns so quickly.

I’ve often used the example of the letdown after Christmas when I am giving an evangelistic talk. Our natural feeling of disappointment shows us that Christmas is not enough, that we have a need for Christ which can’t be filled with good times or gifts. I challenge people that their “God shaped vacuum” can only be filled by their Creator.

But I have trusted Christ, and I still don’t like the day after Christmas. Is there something wrong with my faith?

Even as a believer I have a longing that will only be fully filled when I see him face to face. Paul says that until that day we groan, wishing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. Could it be that his Spirit makes us unsatisfied with Christmas so that we will fix our eyes on what is coming – the full and final revelation of Christ?

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them”, says a loud voice from the throne in Revelation. “Behold I am making everything new” (Rev 21:3,5). This is the true experience of “Immanuel, God with us”.

And then, just like that, it will never be over.

Looking forward to Christmas,