T’was the week after Christmas, no more deck the hallscross
It’s time to go shopping for deals at the malls!
Folks have returned to their normal life rhythm,
Without giving much thought to the gifts they’ve been given.

So Christmas is over already? For the last 60 days there has been a gradual building of excitement toward the big day.  Then poof! It’s gone. What do we do now with our season’s greetings and warm holiday wishes?  Is it still the “most wonderful time of the year?”

Although it is still technically the holiday season, this week can be a bit of a letdown. Christmas has gone and the New Year hasn’t arrived yet. It feels kind of like a “holiday hump day.”

For the last few weeks we’ve heard sayings like “Jesus is the reason for the season” and “let’s keep Christ in Christmas.”  These may be cute phrases, but what do they really mean? As followers of Christ, what do they look like in our day-to-day lives?

How do you live out His message of love and peace year round?

I believe that we have to make it a daily practice. Once a year at Christmas, or once each week on Sunday is not enough. The needs around us are too great.

Last week thousands of people were given groceries for Christmas dinner.  Some were fed at soup kitchens or in church halls. Guess what? They are hungry again this week.

Last week thousands of people were given a warm coat to protect them from the elements– but thousands more are still cold. They need tangible “tidings of comfort and joy.”

Last week we heard the song “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” This week thousands more will be evicted from their homes because of foreclosure. How will they “sleep in heavenly peace?”

Last week someone celebrated Christmas without a loved one for the very first time. This week they need someone to help them through this season of loss; to help them find strength to face the New Year without that person.

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season but is it only the Christmas season?

I encourage you to allow His love and peace to shine through you every day of the year.