Living in the Afterglow of Christmas

A happy, healthy, restful and relaxed day-after-Christmas to all! Many people are returning to their workplaces today, while others are running out for returns and after-Christmas sales, others are simply basking in the thought “Whew! We did it! We survived another Christmas!”

I'll be easing back into my usual routines because, for me, I'm right back where I started this season as I continue to savor the moments of this joyful, blessed time of the year. My little "peace" spot by my fireplace calls my name to embrace the sweet times in my thoughts and memories and my few family photos help me do that. My daughter's family and I stayed home this year where we had quiet and not-so-quiet times of hilarious family game-play and competitions, going to a see a Christmas movie, attending the Christmas Eve service, putting a puzzle together and gift exchanges! Alexia and I were overwhelmed with tears of joy when we opened our new computers. Lord knows I needed one because electrical tape was holding my old one together. I am so grateful. This year brought on new giving traditions from me. Instead of spending a crazy amount of time in the hunt for "the perfect gifts", I started a new tradition of giving a little money. I gave it with a "Cardinal" theme and a "memory" ornament -- thus the photos of each one with me. My Austin crew opened theirs and sent us photos! I'll tell you more about my new tradition tomorrow.

Yes, some of our traditions changed this year as we didn't converge with my Austin crew. It’s okay as we were all together at Thanksgiving and we stayed in close connection with photos of our Christmas experiences even though apart! On Christmas Eve I read our traditional Christmas story via technology with all of us together virtually. And we ate lots of yummy food and delicacies that certainly warrant a conscious effort to get back to healthy and nutritious eating come the new year. Some of our Christmas memories are here, both for my archiving and welcoming you into the little corner of our world!

Maybe you're like me and you want the afterglow of Christmas to linger a little longer. It is such a consolation and reassurance we have in knowing that the incredible GIFT of the baby in the manger, is still here. right now, because He is Emmanuel, 'God With Us' and He is LOVE. Love breathing, love giving, love caring, love dying. Walking where we walk, knowing how we feel, knowing our pain, knowing our disappointments, bearing our sorrows. GOD WITH US -- at work, during play, during mealtime, in the car, washing dishes, hurrying to work, relaxing on the sofa, at church, teaching our children, in good times and bad. God with us.

The afterglow of Christmas is the realization that each new day can be December 25th. Every morning we wake with the assurance that God is with us is real. We can decide daily to start with the angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest.” Let’s let Christmas linger longer. How about right on through to next December 25th? The true gift of Christmas—and each day—is the possibility of acting, thinking, and loving like Jesus.

Merry Christmas! God Showed Up!

“He was here! He was here!” Kids all over the world are waking up their families with shrills and abounding excitement! The “jolly old soul” made it to their homes last night. They are sure he was here because the cookie plate only has crumbs on it. Most importantly, stockings that were hung by the chimney with care are now bulging with gifts on the floor and around the tree. I can visualize all the celebrations going on. I remember those Christmas mornings with my young children and grandchildren.

My excitement is no less exuberate in my heart as I am nestled in my sweet, little, “alone” and quiet spot by my fireplace this morning. I woke up with overwhelming joy and started singing “Joy to the world. The Lord has come!” And exclaiming “He showed up! He showed up!” What proof do I have? After all, there were no presents from Him under the tree. I know, because His PRESENCE is in my heart today. I feel Him. I sense Emmanuel – GOD WITH US. God is with ME!

Shortly, I’ll be heading over to my children’s home for Christmas breakfast and lunch while continuing our Christmas celebrations of family joy and laughter. Last night we worshipped Christ at my church's Christmas Eve service and prepared Him a room in our hearts for this beautiful Christmas Day. We will celebrate the greatest gift conceivable. Actually, inconceivable that He Who sat on heaven’s throne showed up here on Planet Earth – all because His Dad came up with a grand idea of taking heaven to earth by sending His Son to show us the way! Before His Mama's "Yes", He said "Yes" -- I'll go and SHOW UP for them! It ALL happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man! Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious ONE in a human womb that brought Him to this side of heaven. How marvelous! How wonderful! EVERYTHING we would ever need or want, wrapped in one package.

It seems almost irreverent to think of the Son of God coming to earth. There’s something about keeping Him divine that keeps Him distant and predictable. BUT DON"T DO IT! For Heaven’s sake, DON'T! It was a Master Plan for Him to be human so that you and I have someone who gets us -- who gets our needs -- who understands our pains -- who SHOWS UP for us when we need Him most. Let Him be as human as He intended to be. Let His human example of loving the unlovely, forgiving in spite of rejection, understanding everything about us because He was one of us -- be our example to others, too. Let Him into the mire and muck of our world. That's how He showed up and that's how He "finished up". Only if we let Him in -- can He pull us out! Let Him be God with us for in letting Him be God with us -- we are never alone and never without a Savior. Let Him SHOW UP in you and your world today! Merry Christmas!