The Morning After

Three kings from the Orient far had come with gold and frankincense and myrrh. Scores of dazed shepherds had come running from the hills, following a star. There were angelic hosts. And animals galore. And legend tells us that there was even a drummer boy that
night.

They had all followed the star and found a Savior, a King to defeat all kings, a Healer, a Counselor, a Burden Bearer, and a peaceful Prince in the form of a helpless baby. That's what they found that night under that star.

But what about the morning after? I'm thinking the star was gone. Was the excitement? In their cases, I doubt it was. They could see their hope and deliverance, their source of great joy. Even in the light of the morning sun, the Babe-King Jesus
was still there, the embodiment of the greatest promise ever given.

But us, what about us? What do we do on Christmas after the gifts are
unwrapped? Is your joy full? Is your excitement flowing over? Well, maybe you haven't found the child yet? Maybe you didn't follow the star for the right reason. And now in the light of the desert sun, the morning after, all you see if a baby in the straw. All you see is a bunch of wrapping paper to be thrown away.

My prayer for you this Christmas is that you see the baby for Who He is. And that you see Christ-mas for what it really was meant to be, a celebration of the
first day of endless life, peace, wholeness, and reconciliation. Will you receive the child?

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, a Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase 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.
~Isaiah 9:6,7