Day 49 of 4: "Poor Little Day after Christmas" (12/26/12)

December 26:  Poor Little Day after Christmas (originally written 12/26/12)

"Poor Little Day after Christmas!" Years ago, I listened to a song on an album (yes, kids there used to be these plastic things which held music!) that contained these words. It described the "let down" day…after all the months of anticipation, the preparation, planning, travel, and all that Christmas involves, suddenly it is all over. And the words spoke of that feeling and the song went so far as to having pity on December 26th. It really is a humorous song (sounds like it?) with lots of illustrations of torn paper, empty dishes, disappointing gifts, a dried up tree and a sad feeling. However, the song has a surprise ending. Don't feel sorry for the day after Christmas. Why? Because it is next year's Christmas Day!

After searching in vain for this silly little song, I came upon another song by Matthew West called "The Day After Christmas." It is a beautiful carol with the same general feeling. He, too, describes the "let down" after the big day. But the difference is that this song reminds us that the light of the world is still here. The reason we sing has not stopped or ended in twenty four hours. In fact, our joy is even more complete because it is still here. Some are excited today for other reasons. Perhaps you are a bargain shopper and love after-Christmas sales. Or some of you enjoy the feeling of the pressure of Christmas being over. A time to just "be" with your family and friends. Enjoy it! And don't even consider starting to take down the decorations! I mean it! And if you do, don't tell me, or I will be sad. Enjoy them, at least until after January 1st. Let's cherish today. Laugh with your kids or if they have gone home, take a nap! What is that, you ask? Play games if there is someone to play with, or call an old friend. If you are lonely, the truth is there is another lonely person who would love to hear from you. Being let down is ok for a short while…feel it? Ok, that is over! It is time to move on together. After all, we have a brand new year coming up in a week! We have to get ready for that "big day!"

Let's just remember, the "big

day" may be over for this year,

but the light of the world is

still here. And He will light up

the day at your house today

and next year, too! Remember

the words of scripture:

"And they shall call Him Emmanuel...God with us!"

Matthew 1:23

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life." John 8:12

Pray: Father, shed Your beautiful light on the day after Jesus' birthday! Let us not be sad, but move together with You into the last week of the year!

Amen