It’s Still Christmas
[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text]We’ve unwrapped presents, devoured Christmas cookies, licked the last candy cane, and attended holiday parties. Emails advertising post-Christmas sales came to our inbox on December 25 and on December 26, we may wait in return lines at stores or check ads for post-Christmas sales.
On January 2, many begin to put ornaments, lights, and decorations in their respective boxes. We wrap the nativity pieces individually and put away the manger. If we moved furniture around to accommodate a Christmas tree, we move it back. With strokes of a dusting mitt and a swish of a vacuum, our house is back in order. Does that sound familiar?
The manger may be out of sight, but it is still Christmas. Whether or not we have a decorated house, it is still Christmas. Our long-distance family may have left for home, but it is still Christmas. Crumbs and broken cookies rest in containers, but it’s still Christmas.
In our routine normal, still existence, it is still Christmas. 
January is often a time associated with post-holiday blues. The incessant and stimulating December activity changes to still and quiet. Some people may be bored. Yet, being still without the hype of festivities is where we normally live. When we personally embrace the message of Christmas, the decorations, presents, and parties take a back seat. The Person of Christmas lives, and we can live fully too.
I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10b NIV)
His message invites us every day, “Come. It’s still Christmas.” How do you respond to the change from incessant activity to “back to normal”? How is it still Christmas for you?[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
The Conversation
The Christmas holidays seem to fly by in such a rush. I’m never ready, but then I’m wishing it could last longer. I liked your message–“It’s Still Christmas” and I agree. For me Christmas is about love so my goal to keep Christmas is to share the love. That means to “show” the love–mostly through an attitude of care, compassion, and service. Perhaps a better way to express it is to remember that love is a verb–an action–so we must demonstrate our love to make it real.
Thanks Katherine and I share your perspective. Peace and goodwill to men shouldn’t stop on Dec. 26–ongoing as a verb as you said but an internal mindset as well.
Marilyn, I’ll admit that I often am ready for the “routine” to return in January. Not that I don’t love and enjoy most every aspect of the Christmas season, I just don’t always enjoy shopping and I agonize over gift choices and I never seem to have enough time to bake as many goodies as I want and it never seems like I get as much family time as I want …. and and and…. In other words, the “frenzy” of Christmas gets to me such that I like the return of routine in January. However, therein lies the problem – what “stressed” me of Christmas is not what Christmas is supposed to be about in the first place!!! So, yes, indeed it is STILL Christmas, all year, every day, because the true meaning of Christmas is not the frenzy I often associate with the month of December! Thanks you for reminding me of the real meaning of Christmas, the one I hope I’ll take with me the rest of the year!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Julie. I agree-the “still Christmas” is one to take all year as we make plans and agendas.
Marilyn, Christmas brings excitement and joy and a focus on Immanuel. Thank you for this timely reminder that Immanuel, the person of Jesus with us, continues. Happy New Year with Him!
Jeannie…and to add to your comment, we can live with excitement for what He is doing in our lives and in the joy of His presence, so Christmas IS with us:) Thanks for taking the time to comment.