It’s Only Just Begun 

   Yesterday we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Today, many are already looking forward to the new year, placing Christmas in the “been there, done that” file.  But Christmas is not just a beginning, it is forever.

   We have hung the decorations, sung the hymns and Christmas carols, and many have gone to church for the first time in many weeks or months.  We’ve spent weeks and far too much time and money on gifts and parties, while taking little time to contemplate the gift that was given us on Christmas day.

   In a few days or a week or so at the most, the decorations will come down, placed in storage for another year.  Sadly, the joy and promise of Christmas will also be placed in storage for many, forgetting that He came to live, suffer and die on a cross to offer us redemption and forgiveness of sins.  In a few weeks all that will remain will be the bills for gifts that will most likely soon be forgotten.

   Christmas doesn’t just recall the birth of Christ in Bethlehem; it recalls the birth of Christ in our hearts if we accept Him as our Lord.  Like the burning bush Moses witnessed He will set our hearts aflame with His love though we will not be consumed but strengthened.  As the infant grew into the man, Jesus will grow within us until it is no longer us, but Him living within us.

   As we begin to move on from Christmas may we treasure the gift of Christ to the world and to each of us.  May His peace and His love remain with us and strengthen us throughout the coming year.