Most Christians celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus on December 25, but Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7. Regardless of the date, after the celebration there is often a letdown, sometimes described as “after-Christmas blues.”
Christmas is over. But now what? What might Christians think and feel on the days after the merry-and-sacred celebration of Jesus’ birth, and is there something they should do?
Here are some ideas for the day after Christmas, and the days until the new year.
Think about it. The “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10) did not end with Jesus in a cattle manger. The Good News continued with Jesus on the cross and His resurrection. As Canadian theologian and pastor Tim Challies wrote, “What gives December 25 its value is that Jesus is alive.” That truth is for every day, not just Christmas Day.
The Good News continues even today as countless people receive by faith what Jesus has done for them (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; John 1:12). And after Christmas, we can still say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
John Duncan at Lifeway noted, “Christmas should ignite the soul with a passion for God.” Our passion for God should overflow into a passion for lost souls.
Determine to share the powerful Gospel message, especially in the days after Christmas when people might feel an emotional letdown. They may feel lonely, worn out, worried about debt, stressed out, hopeless, or depressed. This is the perfect time to give them a reason for hope and joy! Emulate the shepherds who praised God “for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Reach out in love and friendship to those who hurt, and tell them about Jesus.
The five senses are on high alert throughout the Christmas season. Consider: we see the colorful lights, hear the joyful carols, smell cookies in the oven, taste Christmas ham, and properly touch (hug) our friends and family.
For sure, Christmas is an emotional highlight in the calendar, but most of life occurs between the highlights. That’s when we need to practice the wonder of Christmas — in the daily grind. We can step up our awareness of all the good gifts we receive from our Heavenly Father. Just as “Mary treasured” the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and “pondered” them in her heart (Luke 2:19), we can treasure and meditate on God’s gifts to us in salvation.
We can offer God thanks “always and for everything” (Ephesians 5:20). Some people use a gratitude journal to list their blessings. A similar idea would be to create a journal — titling it with the word Savor — to help us detect, savor, and appreciate God’s gifts. Each day, we could consider our five senses and highlight all the “little things” that blessed our lives: a bird chirping in a tree, a starry sky, a warm sweater, and so much more! This is a wonderful way to enjoy the timeless “feelings” of Christmas all year long.
One of the most precious things about Christmas for most families is the opportunity to gather together for the holiday. Some of my most special memories were of my family traveling to another state to visit my grandparents at Christmastime and re-living the family traditions they created for us. But then the holiday was over. We didn’t see my grandparents for another whole year.
While busy with our jobs and everyday responsibilities, precious relationships might get shoved aside until the next Christmas. We must be careful to cultivate family togetherness and our far-away friendships. We might consider how we can encourage others in the days ahead (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Slow down. Empathize. Offer a listening ear and, if needed, a shoulder to cry on. Take the time to listen to loved ones’ hearts, not only what they say. In the words of Scotty Smith, a pastor in Franklin, Tennessee, we might ask the Father to “free us for living and loving at the pace of grace.” Whether through cards, letters, texts, emails, Zoom visits, or actual physical get-togethers, it’s important to plan ways to create repeated opportunities to interact.
Sometimes there are much-needed reunions at Christmas where relationships are reconciled and tears flow freely. Gathering might continue to be difficult for some families that grieve broken relationships. After Christmas, ask the Lord for ways to bridge the gaps in these relationships. Be a loving and forgiving peacemaker (Psalm 34:14; Ephesians 4:32). Gathering might be a little smoother next Christmas!
In our scurry to tidy the “messes” of Christmas and perhaps put away Christmas decorations before January, we might miss out on something important that God wants to do in our hearts or through our lives.
First, He might want to bring us spiritual awakening. Because the time is short, the days are evil, and eternity is long, we might want to consider if we are spiritually “asleep” in any way (Ephesians 5:10-16). We’ll want to “keep sight” of Jesus as we await His return (Matthew 24:44). One way to do that is to remember the blessings that are ours even now in Christ. Another way is to look for signs that He’s at work in and through our lives, even in our toughest circumstances.
But there’s more. Maybe the overload of sweets makes us sleepy after Christmas, but we need to wake up and be hungry for something else. We need to ask God for a fresh vision for the new year. It’s so easy to get comfortable with how things have been, and to miss an opportunity to get excited over how things might be. Even more, consider how He wants us to be. Where does God want to shake us or stretch us in the new year?
To get started, consider asking God for new inspiration about how He might want you to use your finances in the new year. Or how He might finally enable you to reach your lost neighbors for Christ. Or how you might create a thirst for godliness in your children. Or how the Lord might so change your heart that He can finally use you to accomplish His will.
Notice all those “how” concepts — but remember, it’s all about the “who.” It’s about God and His sovereign purposes for your life. If you wonder what that looks like, ask Him to show you (James 1:5).
The days between Christmas and New Year’s Day are perfect for pausing and pondering, considering what has transpired in the past year, and what you might anticipate doing in the new year.
First, meditate on your relationship with God. Consider a character quality you might want to cultivate to become more Christlike. Listen for whispers from heaven — is there a new focus from the Lord, an exciting goal, or a new project to pursue? When God speaks to your heart, listen and commit to obey Him. Humbly and wholeheartedly respond with trust in Him and His wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This is also a good time to choose a word, phrase, or motto for the new year — something that motivates change, growth, or ministry, or something that shifts your perspective toward heavenly realities or aligns your heart with God’s. It can be as simple as one word, like “Persevere!” Or it can be as vision-packed as a list of words that help to focus thoughts and fan the flames of transformation.
For example, this year I’ve chosen the phrase: “Wonder, Worship, Worthy, Witness.” Those four W’s will remind me to notice big and little things so I can marvel over who God is and what He has done for me (“Wonder”); to praise Him as a result of that wonder (“Worship”); to remember that I am designed to bring Him glory (He is “Worthy”); and to tell others what the Father has done for me in sending the Savior (“Witness”).
The point is, ponder this for a few days. Ask, “What will motivate and prompt me to live for God or be more like Jesus in the new year?”
Many Christians participate in “Giving Tuesday,” a global day of generosity when people and organizations donate time or money to charitable causes. This special day takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, but it also helps to create a giving mindset leading up to Christmas and beyond. God wants us to develop a kinder, more generous spirit.
In some countries — like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada — the day after Christmas is called “Boxing Day.” The tradition began in Great Britain as a day set aside for giving, but tradition shows more than one version. In one, wealthy families gave servants and businesspeople a gratuity of money or a box of food and gifts. In another version, churches created boxes filled with gifts on Christmas day that were distributed to the needy.
Christians believe that every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17). Although the gifts we receive from people or give to them may eventually be used up or wear out, God’s gift of life in Christ is eternal (Romans 6:23b). So while our gifts are imperfect, perhaps we can consider ways to give to others that will help or encourage them in some way: physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and especially, spiritually. Plan meaningful acts of generosity, and couple them with a cheerful spirit (2 Corinthians 9:7).
It is, Paul said, “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b). Give from a sense of abundance, not scarcity. As we put away Christmas gifts, we might notice things in closets or on shelves that we never use or wear. We could load those items into boxes for a favorite charity. In The Message, Proverbs 19:17 says, “Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.” We might also consider gently-used things we could secretly share with less fortunate friends and acquaintances. And because there are still a few days left in December, we can still share tax-deductible financial gifts with ministries that make a difference.
Remember, there is far more to the Christian’s walk with God than celebrating on holidays. The day after Christmas, and all through the next year: remember, savor, gather, awaken, ponder, and give. If you do these things, you will likely be shocked at how different your life will be by next Christmas.
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
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