December 27, 2019

Rerun Daily Devotional December 27, 2017

Two of the three grandchildren were sick at Christmas. That means the hayride trailer I rebuilt sits in the driveway waiting for its inaugural hayride, the gifts are still in their wrapping paper under the Christmas tree, and Shannon had to freeze all the food she had made for the festivities.

When I first realized we were going to have to reschedule our family Christmas, I was really disappointed. But then, once we got the new date in mid January on the calendar, I decided it wasn’t a bad thing at all.

What will it be like to celebrate Christmas without all the pressure that comes with this time of year? Shannon is going to keep up the Christmas tree much later than usual. We will also be the only house in Bell County with Christmas lights up. Everything will be ready to allow the grandchildren enjoy the magic of Christmas long after Dec. 25 has come and gone. But shouldn’t it be that way for all of us?

Next week, after New Year’s, life will return to the daily grind. The Christmas decorations will be taken down. School will start. Many people will be returning from vacations to desks filled high with paperwork. Some will face added financial pressures from the amount of spending they did during the holidays. And in the midst of returning to our regular routines, the joy and magic of Christmas can continually fade into the background until it is no longer there. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Thousands of years ago, as shepherds were going about their predictable mundane routines, an angel appeared and said, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

And after seeing the baby with their own eyes, the Bible says: “The shepherd returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told to them.” (Luke 2:19-20)

In other words, they continued to celebrate. And that’s what I think God wants from us. That we continue to focus on the joy of knowing God loves us so much that he sent his child to save us. This is what keeps the joy of Christmas alive all year long.

Never forget, you are loved.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to hold onto the joy of this time of year. Fill my heart with the happiness that comes only from you. Please use me to bring joy to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The joy of Christmas does not have to end. All we have to do is remember what matters most.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins