Melancholy. That’s probably the best word I could find to describe how I felt yesterday as we began to take down and put away all the Christmas decorations and paraphernalia. I was almost flat out weepy.
There’s always something a little sad to me when we take the Christmas decorations down. I’m not sure if it’s just the end of the season, or the recognition that this signals the end of another year.
I just love Christmas time so very much! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Of course, I blogged about that already, and so I won’t bore you with a repeat of how much I love the season and why. Instead, I want to focus today on these feelings I… and PR31… and our boys… and maybe even some of you experience when we put all those Christmas items away for another 10 months… or 6 if you’re like us and celebrate “Christmas In July.”
I think we must feel this way because it feels like everything is just going back to normal. Maybe people won’t be as nice… or as generous… or as joyful. But let’s face it, even after that first Christmas, things kind of had to get back to normal. Joseph had to go back to his construction work. Mary had to take care of a baby. No angel visits for a couple years. Just normal, everyday life.
Yet their life now contained Jesus daily. He who brought such joy, love, peace and hope was with them daily. The one angels sang about, and shepherds came to see was right there with them each and every day.
And we do not have to lose the love, joy, peace and hope of Christmas either… even after all the decorations are put back into storage… for the very same reason. He is Immanuel… the God who is with us. Jesus came that first Christmas, and we celebrate it every year, because He brought us His ongoing presence. We can live kindly… generously… lovingly… peacefully… and hopefully… all year long.
So cry a tear if you must because you love the season so much, and hate to see it “go away” with the packing up of the decor. But remember that He came in order for us to have that sweet, abundant life daily. We don’t have to feel like life is miserable till next Christmas. We can enjoy Jesus and that abundant life He offers every day between December 26th and the following Black Friday.
Happy New Year, friends! 2018 is going to be great, and I look forward to sharing more of this blog with you as we start fresh and new in a couple days!!!
allenchapin.com 