The lights are down, the tree is by the curb, and the last remnants of wrapping paper have been swept away. For many, the joyous, hectic season of Christmas is officially over. We packed away the manger scenes and carols, and our attention has shifted back to the rhythm of a new year.
But what about the central figure of Christmas? The one whose birth we just celebrated with such fanfare: Jesus?
The danger of the Christmas season is that we might treat Jesus like a seasonal decoration—important and beautiful for a few weeks, but ultimately something to be stored away until next December.
The Problem: Seasonal Faith
If the purpose of Jesus was merely to be born, then the story ends with His birth. However, the New Testament makes it clear that the birth was simply the beginning of a life, ministry, death, and resurrection that changes everything.
John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The post-Christmas moment is a vital time to transition from celebrating a historical event to living in its reality. The Jesus we need after Christmas is the same one proclaimed by the prophets: the reigning King, the ever-present Shepherd, and the source of life.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Jesus is Not Just a Baby in a Manger
The Scriptures remind us that the Jesus who was laid in a manger is the same Jesus who holds the universe together.
John 1:1 NIV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Colossians 1:15-17 NIV [15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Revelation 22:12-13 NIV [12] “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Call to Continuous Alignment
If we want the joy and peace of Christmas to last, we must keep Jesus at the center of our daily lives. This means shifting our focus from the event of the birth to the purpose of His life.
John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The Christian life is not about surviving January until Easter; it's about following Christ every single day. This daily walk is what Jesus Himself calls us to:
Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
John 15:5-7 NIV [5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
As the Christmas decorations go into storage, let us commit to not storing away the King of Kings. Let the post-holiday season be a time of deeper reflection, self-assessment, and openness to God's guidance, inviting the eternal reality of Jesus into our everyday routines
But what about the central figure of Christmas? The one whose birth we just celebrated with such fanfare: Jesus?
The danger of the Christmas season is that we might treat Jesus like a seasonal decoration—important and beautiful for a few weeks, but ultimately something to be stored away until next December.
The Problem: Seasonal Faith
If the purpose of Jesus was merely to be born, then the story ends with His birth. However, the New Testament makes it clear that the birth was simply the beginning of a life, ministry, death, and resurrection that changes everything.
John 10:10 NIV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The post-Christmas moment is a vital time to transition from celebrating a historical event to living in its reality. The Jesus we need after Christmas is the same one proclaimed by the prophets: the reigning King, the ever-present Shepherd, and the source of life.
Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV [6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Jesus is Not Just a Baby in a Manger
The Scriptures remind us that the Jesus who was laid in a manger is the same Jesus who holds the universe together.
- He is the Eternal Word:
John 1:1 NIV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- He is the Head of All Things:
Colossians 1:15-17 NIV [15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
- He is the Foundation of Our Life and Faith:
Revelation 22:12-13 NIV [12] “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Call to Continuous Alignment
If we want the joy and peace of Christmas to last, we must keep Jesus at the center of our daily lives. This means shifting our focus from the event of the birth to the purpose of His life.
John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
The Christian life is not about surviving January until Easter; it's about following Christ every single day. This daily walk is what Jesus Himself calls us to:
- Prioritize Him Daily:
Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- A Continuous Relationship:
John 15:5-7 NIV [5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
As the Christmas decorations go into storage, let us commit to not storing away the King of Kings. Let the post-holiday season be a time of deeper reflection, self-assessment, and openness to God's guidance, inviting the eternal reality of Jesus into our everyday routines
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