What happens when these things are gone? People are unenthusiastic and they feel letdown. They have lost their sense of expectation, and it seems as if their vibrancy has decreased. But this is not the way it should be after Christmas. Why? Because Jesus should still be at the center of our thoughts and conversations. His birth has taken place in what we call the first Advent, but there will be a second advent. Jesus is coming again (John 14:1-3).
What we need is a transformation – a change in our thinking so our mind is aligned with God. The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2). We need a complete change in our mindset. Christ died on the cross taking our place and paying the penalty for our sins. He came not just to be born in a manger but to offer abundant life to us, to forgive us, and to provide eternal life through faith in Him.
What we need after Christmas is to focus on Jesus, and not just the things that are missing. In our response to the good news of Christmas let’s allow Jesus to come into our life and make us a new and different person in all that we think or do. The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17, TLB). The Bible also points to other things which were lost including a lamb, a coin and a son (Luke 15:3-32). However, the text tells us that each of these things were found and as a result there was much rejoicing. When you receive Jesus as your Savior, you will experience great joy because He will provide just what you need. The Bible says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). When we find Christ we discover what was really missing in our lives. Inviting Him to come into your life will make your joy complete. Jesus is with us. He is not missing. Let’s be glad and rejoice.