He is the Reason

It is the day after Christmas. In so many ways an anti-climatic day. All of the presents have been opened. Some may already be broken, while others have been put away to be forgotten. My mother was notorious for this. By noon on December 26, there would be no evidence in her house, save the leftovers in the refrigerator, that Christmas had ever happened. The tree and the decorations were boxed and put away in the garage or attic. The gifts were put where they would be stored permanently. And the radio was back to playing “regular music.”

It does seem as if the day comes and goes, and is quickly forgotten. Now listen, I am not saying that we ought to celebrate into January. I have to tell you that I think, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” is the most obnoxious song I’ve ever heard. I can’t change the station fast enough, much to the consternation of my wife, anytime it comes on.

But I don’t want us to box up Jesus and put Him away as quickly as we box up the trees and the lights and the candles. In fact, I don’t want us to box Him up at all. I want us to remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season at Christmas. He is the reason that we have life and peace and joy. He is the reason we have salvation. He is the reason that life is worthwhile. He is the reason that we can life forever.

I am so grateful that I met this Jesus as a nine-year-old boy. And I am thankful that He is still with me. He has been faithful. He has been good. I pray that I will remain faithful and will “finish well” this life He has given to me.