A Miracle That Lasts

Well, it's finally here. Christmas Eve, and in a matter of hours, Christmas day. It's kind of strange to realize that while this day has been expected for months- counted down to by Advent and Christmas calendars for weeks- will officially mark the end of the Christmas season. Once December 26 gets here, everyone will shift their attention to the coming year, and the new plans and schedules that come with it.

It's just another part of the moving world we're in. Seasons- even the long awaited peaceful ones- come to an end. And we're called to move on from then no matter how much we'd rather linger behind.

But the rest found in the original Christmas story has no expiration date. The miracle of God sending his son as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes is no less amazing on December 26 than it was on December 25th. I love the way Jesus came to this earth because even though it was in the midst of loneliness and difficulty and confusion, it was a moment of peace. The Prince of Peace was born that day, and the angels proclaimed that to the shepherds on those fields.

Jesus came to bring us rest. It was a rest that cost Him much, and did not come easily. But it was worth it to Him, and I surely don't want to miss out on it. There is just as much rest available for the lazy Christmas day we spend in pajamas with wrapping paper dotting the floor as there is for the first week of the new year, when we're called back to schedules and deadlines and routine.

So remember that this Christmas Eve. The calm and peace that came into this world in that little innkeeper's barn is still so present now. The miracle of a sky lit with singing angels, of wandering wise men carrying treasures, can invade every part of our lives each and every day. Jesus was born, but it did not end there. We're living out the rest of the miracle right now, as we walk beside Him each day.

What could be more magical than that?

#christian #2015