Christmas Isn’t Over

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.   Luke 2:19-20

The return lines at department stores are so long they wrap around the corner.  The garbage cans by the curb are beyond overflowing.  And the radio station goes back to playing its pop favorites.  Everyone is so eager to celebrate Christmas during the season of Advent, but once it has arrived, they are quick to move on.  For the record, Valentine’s Day candy is already available.

The celebration of our Savior’s birth is not just a day, but technically a season on the church’s calendar.  More than that though, it is a life of receiving, reflecting and thanking.  St. Luke’s account of the birth of Christ does not end with people moving on, but continuing to focus on the gift of Jesus.  Mary continues the celebration by pondering in her heart all the things that had happened.  While the shepherds returned to their flocks, they did so praising God for the gift of the Savior.

While the world moves on, let’s stay for a while and continue the celebration.  We can reflect on God’s Word further as we consider how God preserved His Son from danger and led Joseph and Mary to Egypt and finally to Nazareth.  We can lift our voices in praise of the One who came to save us from our sins.  We don’t have to rush off to other things.  Instead, we can continue the celebration for a few more days until the Magi arrive and we see that the Messiah is for all.

Prayer - O God, our Maker and Redeemer, You wonderfully created us and in the incarnation of Your Son yet more wondrously restored our human nature. Grant that we may ever be alive in Him who made Himself to be like us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. 

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan