Jeremiah 29:11

Have you ever wondered what kind of day Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had the day after His birth? After a night of angelic choirs, magnificent magi bearing gifts, and sleeping under a star of wonder, I have often thought about what the morning after was like. Did they register for the census? Where did they go? What did they eat? Who did they meet?

Did people continue to visit and worship the newborn King? Or were they tired, hungry, cold, and feeling the affects of an "adrenaline letdown" after all of the excitement? Jesus was God in the flesh; however, we must remember that Joseph and Mary were exceptional people although they were human as well. Perhaps, if they had somehow been able to preserve the details of their "morning after," we would be surprised at what we would find.

Some people enjoy the day after Christmas more than all of the days before. They are off work or done with the preparations and have an opportunity to kick back and relax. In a leisurely manner, they like to look their gifts over or enjoy some leftovers and holiday specials on TV. Others love to go out in the hustle and bustle of the "after-Christmas sales" and find bargains that they can put away for the next holiday season.

While some choose to savor the moments—keeping the tree decorated and the lights on brightly shining, there are others who strip away the festive decorations of the season right away. Families continue to reunite, or perhaps they begin to go their separate ways. Parties are planned for the next holiday, and Christmas is soon forgotten as eagerness builds for ushering in the New Year. There is little talk of spiritual value as the focus is quickly turned away to other things. Many times, that is what happens on the morning after Christmas Day.

Perhaps that is the way things were in Bethlehem. The shepherds returned to their flocks, the kings to their cities, and others went on their way having finished the census. There were no royal celebrations, festive gatherings, or high society parties.

The morning after was the beginning of another regular day, except for the fact that a King had been born Who would one day save the people from their sins. He would give sight to the blind, mobility to the lame, and forgiveness for lives of sin. What wonderful "morning afters" would result from His life and ministry!

Can you imagine waking up to the sunrise when you have never seen the light of day? Or strapping sandals on to go for a walk though you had not taken a single step before Jesus came your way? How about searching for a new job after choosing to live a different lifestyle than the one you had lived before? What wonderful "morning afters" for all those touched by Him. Lives were changed to never be the same again. Joy replaced pain, celebration took the place of sorrow, and hope existed where once there was only despair.

Many were not there to celebrate His coming to this world, but I am certain there was much rejoicing in the days of Jesus’ ministry. Many meaningful "morning afters" led to countless life-changed days.

So, what was your morning after Christmas like? Were you still on top of the festivities, or did you feel some sort of a letdown? I know that this Christmas was very different for me, and I—in all honesty—am glad it is over. I am ready for a new year and will eagerly usher out the old to make room for the new.

There are others who feel the same way. People often feel that way when they have had or are having a difficult year. As sad it sounds, and before we get too judgmental, let’s remember that Christmas is a one-day celebration, but Jesus can be celebrated any and every day of the year. If you or someone you know did not have a joyous "morning after" this Christmas (and had a terrible year,) do not feel ashamed or hopeless because He is with us, and He is longing to draw near. His Presence is still here to touch lives. He still longs to heal and change those willing to be touched by Him.

There can still be celebration and wonderful "morning afters" if we will let Him in to the painful parts of our lives. That is why Christmas occurred in the first place, so that Jesus could be born. He brought with Him priceless gifts of life, forgiveness, and healing. Those gifts remain among us even when Christmas has passed away, and if we will let Him really have charge of our lives, then I believe that we have some very special celebrations in store. He has the plan for every one of our days, our nights, and all our "morning afters." Don’t let Him just be Christ at Christmas, but let Him have every day of your new year.

Prayer: