The Daily Devotional
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Post-Christmas Reflections
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Post-Christmas Reflections
Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 (NIV)
Reflection
Sheridan mused, "The excitement of Christmas Day quickly faded into a letdown. A sleepless night at a friend's and a car breakdown on the way home was followed by a snowy trek back. It was a dreary contrast to the previous day's cheer."
As the last carols fade and the festive lights dim, the world seems to retreat into a quieter, more contemplative state. This is a time for reflection, a moment to pause and ponder, much like Mary did in the aftermath of the first Christmas. Luke 2:19 tells us, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
In the stillness that follows the Christmas celebration, it's common to feel a sense of melancholy, a post-Christmas blues of sorts. The anticipation and joy that once filled the air leave a noticeable void. Yet, this period of reflection is not without purpose. It's a time to treasure the moments just passed and to find meaning in the quiet.
The journey doesn't end with Christmas; it merely shifts. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the hope and love that came into the world, we're invited to carry that light forward. The blues we feel are but a reminder of the contrast between the festive joy and our daily struggles. Yet, they also remind us of our deep longing for comfort, peace, and joy—things that the Christmas story promises in abundance.
In these reflective moments, we're called to remember the lessons learned, the kindness shared, and the love that surrounded us. We're encouraged to ponder how we can continue to embody the spirit of Christmas throughout the coming year. Just as Mary held the events of that holy night close to her heart, we too can treasure the memories and insights gained during this season.
Let the post-Christmas blues serve not as a harbinger of despair but as an invitation to deeper contemplation and insight. In the stillness that follows the holiday cheer, let us seek and find strength and hope for the future, carrying the enduring light of Christmas into every aspect of our existence. Just as Mary did, we too can confront the dullness of the days after Christmas by reflecting on the one who entered our world, allowing His presence to brighten even the dreariest of times with a sense of purpose and light.
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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional crafted by Kenny Sallee, ThM…
Sheridan mused, "The excitement of Christmas Day quickly faded into a letdown. A sleepless night at a friend's and a car breakdown on the way home was followed by a snowy trek back. It was a dreary contrast to the previous day's cheer."
As the last carols fade and the festive lights dim, the world seems to retreat into a quieter, more contemplative state. This is a time for reflection, a moment to pause and ponder, much like Mary did in the aftermath of the first Christmas. Luke 2:19 tells us, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
In the stillness that follows the Christmas celebration, it's common to feel a sense of melancholy, a post-Christmas blues of sorts. The anticipation and joy that once filled the air leave a noticeable void. Yet, this period of reflection is not without purpose. It's a time to treasure the moments just passed and to find meaning in the quiet.
The journey doesn't end with Christmas; it merely shifts. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the hope and love that came into the world, we're invited to carry that light forward. The blues we feel are but a reminder of the contrast between the festive joy and our daily struggles. Yet, they also remind us of our deep longing for comfort, peace, and joy—things that the Christmas story promises in abundance.
In these reflective moments, we're called to remember the lessons learned, the kindness shared, and the love that surrounded us. We're encouraged to ponder how we can continue to embody the spirit of Christmas throughout the coming year. Just as Mary held the events of that holy night close to her heart, we too can treasure the memories and insights gained during this season.
Let the post-Christmas blues serve not as a harbinger of despair but as an invitation to deeper contemplation and insight. In the stillness that follows the holiday cheer, let us seek and find strength and hope for the future, carrying the enduring light of Christmas into every aspect of our existence. Just as Mary did, we too can confront the dullness of the days after Christmas by reflecting on the one who entered our world, allowing His presence to brighten even the dreariest of times with a sense of purpose and light.
----------------------------
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM
The Bible texts are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
Click on the image to delve into the uplifting and soul-stirring devotional crafted by Kenny Sallee, ThM…
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