Christmas Isn't Over!

The Christmas trees are down, ornaments are carefully packed in their boxes and my nativity scene has all been stored in the attic. As much as I was ready to get my house back to normal it was a bittersweet task. I have often heard folks say” it’s all up till next year” as the home is undecorated once again. As I was working in our house recently, doing all this packing up, I thought how important it is that we do not pack up Jesus! If Jesus lives in us, then we can have the light and joy of Christmas always!

We should not be discouraged, weary, and depressed that Christmas has passed, for we can look forward to Jesus' victorious return in glory! The manger doesn't just mean the cross and the resurrection; it also means that the Lord is coming back to all who await his second appearing! Second Timothy 4:8, “At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.” (CEB) While the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem as Immanuel was glorious, his final appearing will be even more magnificent and our blessings even more incredible.

As I think about Jesus’ birth and second coming, these thoughts run through my mind:

· Unlike the shepherds who saw the angels, when the trumpet sounds Jesus’ return, we will be WITH the angels!

· Unlike the Magi who presented gifts, we will be recipients of the greatest gift!

· Just as the star shone to guide the way to the Christ child, so are we to be stars guiding others to Him today.

Yes, the holiday may be over, and the gifts given. The Christmas story has been retold many times over the past few weeks, but more than just talking about Jesus being born on earth, let's go out and be Jesus to the people of our world!

Christmas isn't over; it has only just begun!