It’s the day after Christmas. All the energy, the stress, and the last-minute preparations are over. Photos were snapped, and gifts were opened; tiny crumbs are all that’s left of Santa’s cookies. The trash now overflows with wrapping once so carefully placed to adorn heartfelt, pocketbook-breaking gifts. The memories are complete, but now that it’s over, off in the distance, gently knocking at your mind’s door might be the distant feel of emptiness.
The Letdown
Do you experience the after-Christmas letdown? I do. It usually takes me a week or two sometimes; it’s faster. Maybe it’s too soon today, as the Christmas magic lingers in the satisfaction of perfectly chosen gifts and heartwarming thankful surprises. They say what goes up must come down. We can ride the holiday high until the bills pour in and January comes as we remove the remnants of Christmas magic, the weight of the bills, the extra chores, and the wondering if it was worth it looms large. It’s okay to feel that: high and low tides, seasons of lack and plenty, sowing and harvest in life. After the harvest, there’s a lot of work.
The Constant
God designed feasts for his people, Israel. He wants us to have those celebratory times to enjoy, look forward to, and be happy throughout the year. However, God designed them to be special, not constant. When He is our constant, the rest of life is more straightforward. The more we focus on Him and the valid reason for the holidays, the less we will experience a letdown. So, as you’re cleaning up from the beautiful memories you’ve made and returning to reality, consider the actual reason. It will steady you. This year, my Christmas Poem is called “Two Lambs.” It’s an unconventional Christmas poem that mentions slaughter and blood. As we may regret the extra spending, know that the one who paid the ultimate price has no regrets. Let’s take some time to meditate on the blessing of why He came and allow the true joy of the reason He came to carry us through.
Two Lambs
