Isaiah 9:6 – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

THEME OF THE DAY: DON’T PUT HIM AWAY. It is two days after Christmas. In some homes, the decorations have already been taken down. There will be once brilliantly adorned Christmas trees now lying on their sides at the curb waiting to be hauled away. Or if the “fake tree” was the choice, it might already be boxed up and stowed away for another year. Some people are diehards. They will cling to the last day of the “holiday season”, around January 2nd or so, to start the deconstruction process of the decorations in and outside their homes.

For us, the process of “de-Christmasing” begins on the day after Christmas. The outside stuff will wait till January 2nd. Our outside stuff consists of wreaths hanging from windows and a manger scene in the yard. As I think about packing the manger away, I thought about the ease at spiritually packing it away; or allowing the wonder and awe of Christmas, the Incarnation of our God lose its wonder and awe.

Friends, Christmas isn’t a season, an event, or a festive day. It isn’t about a flurry of activities around parties with friends and families. It is a divine revelation that is never to be put away from the Christian’s heart and mind. In fact, it is to be remembered, applied, and lived every day of our lives. And not just in thinking of the birth of our Lord Jesus, but in living out our union with Him who is wonderful, counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Just think with me the practicality, even necessity, of these roles Christ is to us, not only at Christmas, but in all of life.

Christ is wonderful. He sure is. Take a moment to realize the privilege we have; to walk with God, spiritually and literally, each day of our lives. Don’t lose the awe of what God has done. Let the wonder of the Christ of Christmas thrill us each day of our lives.

Christ is our Counselor. When we need wisdom, He is it. When we need direction, He provides it. When we need encouragement, He gives it. Let the burdens of life roll onto Him who is our counselor.

Christ is our Mighty God. When we battle against sin, He is the conquering God who leads us to victory. When weakness overcomes us, He comes as our Mighty God with enabling strength.

Christ is our Everlasting Father. When we hurt, suffer pain, discouragement, and feel all alone, He comes with loving care and the encouragement of His Fatherly companionship.

Christ is our Prince of Peace. When the cares of the world, anxieties in life, and stress over the many challenges and responsibilities we face each day seem to come like a flood drowning us, our Prince of Peace speaks, “Peace to you.” The Lord Jesus calms the raging seas in our heart. He takes the sense of being overwhelmed and puts our hearts at rest with the power of His peaceful Presence.

Yes, Christmas is over. The day we celebrate it is, but not the reality of Him who is Christmas. As we put our homes, yards, and other things back to normal; as we pack away decorations, let’s ensure we don’t pack Him away. What was revealed in Christ at Christmas was only the beginning. His roles revealed – Wonderful, counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – are roles to be relied upon and lived each day of our lives.

PRAYER: “Father, protect from making Christmas an event or season that comes and goes”

QUOTE: “Christmas is not an event or season, but reminds us we walk with Him who is Christmas – daily.”