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Signs of Christmas
In the Word
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19).
Of the Word
Some will get to it sooner than others — putting away all the Christmas decorations, that is. The efficient will have everything Christmas back in storage right after New Year's or the day after Epiphany; the procrastinators may be packing ornaments and hiding Easter eggs at the same time. In either case, sooner or later, all signs of Christmas are gone.
Spiritually the same thing happens when the message of Christmas disappears, too. After the holidays, our attention shifts from the miracle of the Christ Child born among us to the daily routine of work and responsibilities. Goodwill may morph into negative feelings and strained relationships. Charity to the needy may take second place to generosity to ourselves.
No matter when the Christmas decorations are put away, the Holy Spirit makes a permanent place in our hearts for the true meaning of Christmas. He calls us to believe in the miracle of Jesus' birth, live in the love He gives, and serve with humility and joy. God's love in Jesus is the one thing we want to have with us all year long.
Walking with my Lord
Lord Jesus, let Your presence dwell in my heart at Christmas time and always. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Joy of Christmas. 22/32 Author: Patricia Mitchell. ©2011, 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
