‘Twas the day after Christmas

What about the day after Christmas?

Mary and Joseph must have continued to think and talk about the amazing things that had happened to them.

Mary certainly took care of baby Jesus, feeding him, changing his diapers.

Joseph surely set about finding more acceptable accommodations for his wife and Son.

And he would have taken time to figure out where he was to register and pay his taxes. 

They got on with life, learning what it was like to live day-by-day with Immanuel. They moved into each day like they always would have, perhaps beginning to understand more and more they were playing a part of God’s plans and purposes for his people.

Maybe for the next few days, until other out-of-town folk had paid their taxes, the Son of God and his earthly parents would have had to make do with a stable. Surely they took time to make it a bit more welcoming. Maybe because Joseph was a carpenter he was able to rent a small place in exchange for his skills.

In eight days, Immanuel would take the sign of his covenant with Abraham and his descendants and officially be named Jesus. Mary and Joseph may have become more aware they were participating in the fulfillment of the covenant God had made with King David. They were both in David’s lineage. Angels had spoken to them of this nine months ago. They were in Bethlehem, the City of David.

In forty days they would walk the six miles or so to Jerusalem for Mary’s purification according to the Law given to Moses. And amazing validating words would be spoken over little Jesus. They would walk back to Bethlehem, talking together about the day’s events, treasuring them in their hearts.

They got on with life. What was different now than nine months ago, or even just a few days ago? Immanuel. “God with us.” Literally. everyday. God was with them. Incredibly they were participating in God’s plans, purposes, and promises for the ages.

OUR PRAYER:

Today, the day after Christmas, dear Father, as we “get on with life,” you are still with us as literally as you were with Mary and Joseph. Precious Lord Jesus, you specifically promised us that this would never change. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Immanuel, you fulfill the reality of your name, in us and for us, just as you did for Mary and Joseph! You are with us! It is staggering, wonderful, amazing, and oh so true–since you are with us, we also participate in your plans, purposes, and promises for the ages.

Please, show us today, each and every one of us, what this means for today. The “day after Christmas.”