The Day After

The day on which we celebrate the birth of Christ has passed, but did our joy and wonder pass with it? The gift of Christmas is a gift that changes those who embrace and receive it. This gift does not wear out or tarnish. We can’t outgrow it,

but we can let it get lost in the tossed wrapping paper and ribbon if we are not intentional in our remembering.

Christmas changed Mary. Her childhood passed, and she became a mother with all its burdens and responsibilities. She found joy in the task God had given her and strength to bear the trials that would come to her child.

Christmas changed Joseph. Married life did not begin as he expected. Before he even joined with his wife, he took on the job of providing for her and her son, the Son of God. I can’t imagine how overwhelming that must have been. God prepared him, though, and he faithfully served his family.

Christmas changed the shepherds. Following the words of the angel, they entered the stable unsure of what they would find. What they saw there filled their hearts with great joy. They left rejoicing, telling everyone they met the wonderful news.

Christmas changed the wise men. They travelled miles and years to find the king they saw promised in the star. They met an earthly king, and they refused his command when they saw the child who is the King. They returned to their country with a story to tell.

Christmas changed Simeon. He had long awaited the coming of the Messiah. When he saw the baby, he knew that God had blessed him with the sight. He praised God as he shared the prophecy concerning the child with Mary. He was ready to die in peace.

Christmas changed Anna. She had come to the temple for over sixty years. She had served God with fasting and prayer. When she met the baby she thanked God, and then she went and told the people of Jerusalem that the Messiah had come.

I say that Christmas changed these people, but it wasn’t the day that changed them – it was the Christ who changed them. He changed me, too.

When we meet this Son of God and know the power of his redemption, everything changes. Our goals, our ambitions, our priorities, our attitudes, are all impacted when we come to the One Who is eternal.

That baby born in a stable is still changing people today. He is still redeeming and loving and leading those who come to him.

Today is a good day to reflect on how he has changed us. If you don’t know him, today is a good day to meet the Christ of Christmas,

even if it is the day after.

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world (John 11:27).

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: ¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13)

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