By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Christmas Everyday!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version

We took the Christmas decorations down a few days ago and it felt sad and empty in our house.  No more tree or stockings or nativity scene.  No more presents or lights or decorations.  It felt like Christmas was gone, put away in boxes until next year.  How bare and depressing if indeed Christmas is truly gone!

But Christmas is not really gone at all, is it?  Jesus is the reason for the season, and Jesus has not left us.  Our Immanuel, God with us, is always present with us in every season.  And He has come to stay with everyone who believes in Him, who trusts Him for their salvation.

Seasons may come and go, decorations may change, emotions and feelings may alter with the weather or with our circumstances or with those who come and go in our lives.  But the Lord has commanded us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  His salvation does not change, His love does not change, His Holy Spirit does not change.  None of these will be packed and put away in boxes!

Yes, all of us can feel a bit blue after Christmas is over and the days are still short and dark.  But Jesus Christ is still the Light of the world and He is not going away.  The Word made flesh has come and dwells among us and we put our faith in Him, not in how jolly we may feel.  His Word is secure in our hearts and will never perish or fade away.

“Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,
A quiet chamber set apart
For You to dwell within my heart.”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado