The afterglow of Christmas fades into curbs filled with fallen trees and boxes emptied of gifts. The sweeping of needles and glitter sends ornaments to hide rather than ordain the celebration.

Flickering candles extinguish and colored lights come down. Singing carolers hushed, signifying conclusion. All for which saddens the faces of children returning to school. 

If January seasons your soul with sorrow, you left the Christ child in the crib. The miracle lies not in straw of a manger or with the next ham served at Easter. Recalling the birth is sacred but getting caught up in pomp and circumstance is ruthless. Earthly traditions can create clods out of Christians; like paper dolls dancing in children’s hands. Be not enamored by fancy affairs or depression will dullen God’s peace and joy. 

Misunderstood, Misrepresented and Misplaced

Real peace and joy are often misunderstood, misrepresented and misplaced in holiday gatherings. Drawing circles around pretty centerpieces, cards and candles deafens the message brought into the manger. 

LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. Isaiah 26:12

Oh how we ride the tides of tinsel sparkling our emotions while prancing with reindeer over truth of this season. Has the Christ child been wrapped to be cuddled or to be crucified?

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

The Cross Calls the Holy Child

While stars stream light on the cheeks of this holy child, the cross calls. The Father’s face turns all compassion as swaddling clothes are stripped from His Son’s body. Cries from the cradle now scream, “FINISHED” as the sacrifice meets sin. The curtains of pageants proclaiming His birth are torn as the mule steps aside to a horse carrying the King.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager. Luke 2:12

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, the King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation: lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt of the foal of an ass. Zechariah 9:9

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? Which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. Luke 23:45

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. Revelation 19:11

Holiday Blues Belong to the Devil

Oh sulking soul, see your Savior. He hasn’t exited when the excitement of lollypops quit dancing in children’s heads. Holiday blues belong to the devil who lingers in pity and lies. Be aware, such let downs tie bows with carnal desires. Permit Christ to quickly clip and clear all dark, emotional clouds of depression. The truth is your celebration hasn’t concluded when love has arrived.

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. John 16:27

The Christ child left the manger to live in your heart. Peace and joy walk with you as doors close the Christmas service. See now, Christ Jesus is the stability of your mind. Senses shall never take reign where Christ is permitted to set His throne. 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:5

Depression Disappears

Give place for the Savior to chair your seat of emotions. Depression will disappear at the donning of His truth. Christ alone unplugs the cords of ungodly reason, sourced in sin and pride. Desecrate not your temple with these dead ornaments; for they are forgiven and forgotten by the Father. 

Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD. Leviticus 21:12

Rather, listen to glad tidings, singing and stringing God’s grace into your heart. When your Christmas tree is removed, remain gazing into the tree of life. Say goodbye to holiday blues; for God’s peace and joy light hearts throughout every season.

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13