Life After Christmas

Well, it’s two days after Christmas and all those weeks of shopping, planning, decorating, organizing, cooking and fretting are behind us.  Now we are probably all left with messes to clean up, decorations to put away, travels back home, and bills to pay. But even in the aftermath of the holiday, it’s not too late to ponder whether or not we are paying enough attention to what really matters.

Joseph and Mary had travelled to Bethlehem because the census was being taken. I wonder if after Jesus was born and the sun rose the next day, darkening the star of the East, and after the shepherds travelled back to their fields, if the birth of Jesus got lost in the shuffle.  With all the business of the census taking, families traveling in and out, four legged traffic throughout the streets, I doubt many people took notice of the virgin birth. They had things to do and places to be, and  may have even missed the birth of the Savior all together. And even those who had welcomed Jesus into the world as Mary laid Him in a manger, went back to their normal every day lives, although with the knowledge that prophecy had been fulfilled.

But is that really what we should do after Christmas? Just go back to normal life? Or can we intentionally allow Christmas to change us, and empower us to try to live a life that glorifies God all year long? Not that we haven’t done so in the past, but is it possible we could be a brighter light for Him this year?

You see, millions of people celebrated Christmas this year, but not everyone celebrated Christ. Everyone will be doing post-holiday activities, but not everyone will remember the birth of the Savior is the reason behind the holiday.  Everyone may have homes filled with new gift items, but not everyone will have a heart filled with the love of Christ.  In fact, some hearts might feel completely empty, despite how many gifts they received.

So what should life after Christmas really look like for those who have worshipped His birth this week? Simply put – a continued celebration. One that doesn’t end after the dust settles, after the house is quiet, and after all the furniture is moved back into the normal spots in the den.

A celebration that reflects daily on the true meaning of Christmas, and that a Savior was not only born, but grew up to be a man, living a sinless life, was crucified and rose again so that we could enjoy His Presence 365 days a year, not just one.

In essence, we can celebrate Christmas all year long in our hearts, and when we do, life after Christmas will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine.

I was so moved by all the comments left on Tuesday’s post, and what a blessing to see how and why the Holy Spirit spoke to so many hearts in different ways through scripture.  Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

The randomly selected winner of the COCOA giveaway is:   Lee Roberts, who left a comment at December 24, 2013 at 9:25 am

If this is you, then congrats! Please email tracie@traciemiles.com with your physical mailing address.  Gift will be mailed after January 6th, 2014.

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Mary T on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 9:50 am

    Tracie, I had been praying that for this New Year I will celebrate Christmas every day! My word will be HOPE! You so inspired me that I pulled out my new journal and decided there was no reason to wait to use it til January 1, 2014…so I begin my celebration yesterday! With my very first thoughts that Christmas was not over but only truly beginning anew! Thanks Tracie! May your New Year be filled with His love, inspiration and blessing for you and yours! Peace and Joy! Mary



  2. Sarahbeth Marr on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 9:28 am

    What an awesome message! Thank you for sharing and inspiring us!!!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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