God's Glory Church

“And Maria kept all these words, entertaining, in her heart.” — Luke 2:19

After all the joy of Christmas, the next day brought us many troubles. We stayed the night with friends, but did not sleep well. Our car broke down on the way. Then it snowed. We left the car and took a taxi home through the snow and ice, feeling terrible.

We’re not the only ones feeling down after Christmas. Whether it’s from overeating, Christmas carols suddenly disappearing from the airwaves, or maybe the gifts we bought last week are now on sale for half price, the wonderful Christmas atmosphere can quickly dissipate!

The Bible does not tell about the day after the birth of Jesus. However, one can imagine that after the journey to Bethlehem, the search for a place to live, Mary’s painful childbirth, and the shepherds who visited them unannounced (Luke 2:4-18), Mary and Joseph were exhausted. However, cradling the Newborn, I can imagine how Mary reflected on the angel’s message (Luke 1:30-33), on Elizabeth’s blessing (vv. 42-45) and on her own awareness of the fate of her Child (vv. 46-55). Mary “rejoiced” in her heart over all these things (Lk. 2:19), which should have eased the fatigue and physical pain of that day.

We will all have hard days, maybe even the day after Christmas. Let us meet them like Mary, thinking about the One who came into our world to illuminate it forever with His presence.

Do you have “falls” after “highs”? Can you reflect today on what Jesus brought into the world?

Dear Jesus, I praise You for coming into our dark world and forever brightening my days with Your presence.

Author: Sheridan Voysey