Each year I remain uncomfortable between that itchy-fingered moment before wrapping paper goes flying until all things Christmas rest comfortably in the basement. In the interim, my senses hum with a houseful of reminders of something come and gone. All the lights and baubles that held such wonder begin to taunt me.
My favorite part of the whole experience of Christmas comes near the end. That loaded moment when everyone, stuffed with food, sits surveying the glut under the tree, fingers itching to tear into wrapping paper. That moment contains the climax of the narrative arc of Christmas. Nothing but falling action follows. When the tearing of paper begins, the end comes quickly.
By three hours into my day on December 26th, I vanquished all traces of Christmas from my home. Even the wreath from the front door now rests on its off-season perch in the basement. The Christmas decorations served, delighted, and now wait until their turn again next year. Donesies. Hallelujah.
Togetherness…Done
Sausage Cheese Balls… Done
Gifts Given & Received… Done
I really wish we celebrated our savior’s birth in a much different way. Instead of feeling let down by commercially generated warmth and joy, I want to emerge from the celebration bursting with excitement, reminded of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Regardless of where you fall on when seasonal decorations should come down, how is your heart after Christmas 2022? Were you able to find Jesus in the hustle and bustle? As I checked my own heart, I discovered a happy parallel that I want to share with you.
It occurred to me that Jesus walked the earth for a comparably short time. Just like Christmas He came, went, and will come again. Cool, right? Thankfully, no tree, lights, or ornaments will be required for His return.
Jesus came and went not just to save us, but to provide a template for living. What a wonderful thought at Christmas. We come and go too in the lives of others. Do we taunt them with fake sentiment, or do we remind them of our Savior’s faithfulness?
This week, as you prepare to usher in the new year, consider His faithfulness to you. How can your comings and goings this year be a bright light to those in your life?