Tuesday After Christmas, 12/26/00

Luke 2: 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." --NIV

In the name of the One Who is joy for all people, amen.

The holidays are a bit of a letdown aren't they? Oh, they are generally fine while you are together with family and friends, but after it's over and you are alone again, it seems like a lot of buildup for very little celebration. And, even when you are together with family and friends, there are the old wounds that get opened, the petty jealousies and fights. The shepherds went away from the manger excited and telling many people about Jesus. Why is it that we seem to come away from the holiday depressed.

Perhaps the problem is that we go to see the wrong thing. Instead of going to see our Savior, we go to see family and friends. Instead of really spending time with the One Who brings joy, we are distracted by those who can only disappoint us at times. We substitute the temporary for the eternal. Do you argue with these statements in your mind and say, "But I went to church three (or more) times in two days?" Well, so did I and I still felt the let down. But then I asked myself, "How much time did I spend preparing to go to church compared to how much time I spent preparing to get together with friends and family?" A similar question is how much time we spend in church compared to how much time we spend with family and friends.

In most cases we spend more time catching up with family and friends than we do catching up with Christ. Instead of talking about Jesus, we talk about politics, sports, who did what that they shouldn't have, and where we are going for vacation this year. So, if you are feeling the post-holiday letdown, take a few minutes with your Bible and read about Jesus. Look again at the things He did. See how much He loves you. Sit down to dinner with Him and eat the food that He gives you. Drink the drink that brings eternal life, then maybe the holiday won't be such a disappointment. Amen.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You have given everything to us and for us, yet we still have trouble taking time getting to know you. Forgive us for such thanklessness. Take the time with us now to visit and tell us about the wonderful things You have done. When everyone else has gone back to their busy lives, stay with us and visit. Tell us the words that bring joy to the heart, amen.

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