Saturday, December 26, 2009
Luke 2:19-20 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Service desks are nightmarish. Christmas trees are already on the curb. Radio stations have abruptly killed the special music. In our commercially driven society, the second day *of* Christmas has become the first day *after* Christmas.
Traditionally, the season of Christmas lasts from Christmas Day until January fifth (the TWELVE days of Christmas). But if you try saying "Merry Christmas" in January, people will probably look at you funny.
But on the second day of Christmas, Mary was still celebrating. She was still thinking about all that had happened even as she cared for her newborn Child. These recent events were big things, and not just concerning *her* life. This Child was the Messiah that had been foretold. He was to save the people from their sins.
Events promised by God, foretold by prophets, announced by the angel Gabriel, proclaimed aloud by a whole choir of angels, events life changing for all people deserved more than a moment's notice! These things deserved to be taken with Mary. Remembered. Pondered. And so this is what she did, and so should we.
But how? How can we resolve to take the thoughts of Christmas with us into the coming days, weeks and months? We can say it, but how can we do it? Get another tree? Keep playing all the music? Give gifts year round?
Maybe the answer is a little simpler. It's time to re-dedicate ourselves to hearing God's word daily. Time to re-dedicate ourselves to being with the fellowship regularly. To having family devotions with consistency. When we do this, not only will the story and significance of Christmas remain with us, the Spirit of God who lives in the Word will unlock more of the meaning of Christmas to our surprise and joy.
So set a time to read, and keep it. Make a goal for Sunday, and be there. Talk to your spouse, and sit down together.
