Christmas it’s a time of wonder, joy, love, excitement, and expectations. We look forward to it with all these feelings.
In the midst of it all, we think of all the things we have to do in preparation for this “wonderful time of the year.” I found this year that Christmas arrived a lot quicker than I had realized! Before I knew it, it was here.
There were all of the things that I had already completed in preparation for Christmas. Plus, all the things that I had yet to do. They got completed eventually, but it seemed to take longer to finish the tasks than in years gone by.
So now, in these days shortly after Christmas, I think back to the last couple of weeks and how they seemed to come and go so quickly. I have to admit that I’m a little disappointed, a little sad it’s over.
But is it really? No, it continues. We should always be wanting to prepare to be in our relationship with God, with Jesus, to grow and hear from the Holy Spirit. I think about that and it makes me excited and happy to know that the joy and feelings of Christmas aren’t really over after all. Sometimes it takes effort to continue walking with God like it’s still Christmas, even though December 25th is now weeks back in the rear view mirror. The reality of walking like it’s Christmas every day still comes and goes; but God understands.
So, within the next week or two, I’ll be packing up my Christmas decorations, wrapping ornaments in tissue paper to make sure they are not broken when I open them up next year. Wreaths will be taken off the windows and packed away. And the tree packed up in the box and taken to the basement.
As I do this, I remember that “all these things” are just material remembrance of Christmas. But the real gift and purpose for this time of the year is Jesus. I know He will not be placed in a box and only brought out one time of year. I’ll remember, let us all remember, that Jesus is with us all the time – Christmas and always, every day. His gift continues. Once we have accepted him as our Lord and Savior, His gift is with us forever, the gift of salvation and eternity with Him.
”Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David (Luke 2:11).”
Wishing you Christmas blessings every day,
Toni Ceglia
