Christmas can be a great time for spiritual growth, but what happens when Christmas is over? It may depend on where you live, and if it's all snow and no sun, you may have seasonal affective disorder or just feel cooped in. I have to ask myself if I am actually missing out on what should be something of a booster shot for an ongoing and joyful celebration. "I didn't see a baby". When does Christmas actually end? –. Copyright © 2023 Traveling with Mary - All Rights Reserved. It means to bring together in your mind. Your plans might change throughout the course of the year, but you'll be able to make your plans into a good distraction. Somewhere that was far enough away that they made a significant trip and far enough away that they were not completely familiar with the political situation in Judea.
There were two paths that led away from the manger that evening. For the Jewish faith community, Circumcision was performed not merely for cleanliness purposes but was a holy act which made Jesus a part of the covenant people of God. So not only Christmas but every moment that we take breath should cause us to fall down and worship Him. Our passage this morning is found in the New Testament book of Matthew chapter 2 beginning with verse 1. When christmas is over. These are the verses that introduce us to the Wise Men, the Magi, those royal looking figures that we often think of in connection with the birth of Christ. But, it's also life transforming stuff. You too, have a responsibility to be a servant of God's Word. You know folks, I think the picture we often have of the wise men at Christmas is hugely flawed when it comes to this point. But we need to constantly be seeking Him in order to be closer to Him.
E. Put away the comparisons . Transition: So, Christmas is over… now what? How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. F. Let's not forget what Christmas is supposed to be about. That's the Jesus who did for us what we could never do, live a perfect life w/o sin. Sure, the holiday is over but that doesn't mean that your celebration needs to end. Christmas is over now what other stocks are held. But all of these things are really just bonuses to the true meat of Christmas' true cause of celebration: Christ has come and is here. All Jerusalem was troubled with him—because they knew Herod would not be challenged, they knew even a hint of revolt or nationalism would cause him to rain cruelty down upon them. Some people that can't stand Christmas are now breathing a huge sigh of relief.
It's easy to feel blue as a result. How do we seek a closer relationship with Him? If you feel especially upset, talk to friends about how you're feeling. Christmas is over now what love. The story about a kindergarten class that was forced to cancel it's annual field trip to visit Santa Claus at a local coffee shop because Santa Claus has become a symbol of Christmas and as such has the potential to cause children who are not Christian to feel alienated. They were so busy with their own celebrations they had missed the birth of a Savior! Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Christmas is like that.
Let me remind you of a conversation that most of you have had over the last few weeks. While it may be depressing that Christmas is over, always try to keep up a good attitude. What To Do the Day After Christmas. They returned to the field to keep watch over their flocks by night, - but they did it with great joy, - they did it giving glory to God, - they did it praising God for all He had shown them that first Christmas day. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the liturgical season of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. " After the Baptism of Christ, clergy are to wear the green vestments of Ordinary Time.
Not only will you be doing a good deed, but you'll be recalling memories of the times that made you happy. Remember the temple covered 35 acres and most likely Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the court of women. They were willing to listen to the voice of God and to answer when He spoke. Christmas is Over: Now What. Sometimes it may feel different because the decorations go down, the sales come to a close, the dining table is no longer as full and the fireplaces as warm. While you might have had a few days off from work, it's time to go back. We need to understand that Christianity is not intended to be a completed activity. They could easily have said something like "Well we know he has been born and we will be grateful for that and we will even worship Him from afar.
The dreary weather, lack of excitement and quiet life can have anyone feeling sad. It is time for us to get back to work! 2Plan for New Year's. A man who was looking forward to the restoration of Israel and who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. How many days is Christmas? Candlemas is the last day that the Alma Redemptoris Mater is the Marian antiphon appended to hours of the Divine Office. But as a Christian I have to reconsider that attitude. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Continue Following Him (vv. I have a bit of post-Christmas humor to share with you. Give it a couple of weeks and then drive by the gym again- big difference in the amount of cars in the parking lot!
It is time to express our gratitude for all we have received. So only God is worthy to be worshiped. We are then quietly told that after everything required by the law is completed, the family returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. It probably went something like this. Luke, Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Every child of God has been invited by God to be on the front lines of the supreme mission in all of history. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. ↑ - ↑ - ↑ - ↑ - ↑ - ↑ - ↑ - ↑ - ↑. By participating in an octave-approach to Christmas, you'll become more contemplative, happier and less stressed. He wants us to continue to be a little kinder and more forgiving each day. After the dust settles from the hustle and rush of buying, wrapping, opening gifts, stuffing ourselves with holiday treats and enjoying the company of friends and family is over, perhaps you and I should pause and wonder – pause and truly reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. The choice is yours…which path will you take? There's something special about eights apparently... Knowing the history, how could you celebrate Christmas for eight consecutive days?
The shepherds, Joseph, Mary, "the babe lying in a manger"... isn't that pretty much the picture of Christmas? Verse 11: House—not at the birth fell down and worshipped—appropriate response from the most unlikely of individuals. Take our quiz to find out how you really feel about Christmas! No, they are created defenseless, helpless, and dependent. To live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Let's come back to the words of Paul. I read this quote from Heath Ledger: That's something to think about, isn't it? They didn't send pieces of straw that the baby Jesus laid on to heal people. Speak with your friends and family members that celebrated with you and talk about the good times at Christmas. If you have blemishes or acne and are self-conscious about it, you might want to try concealer. Third, learn from others who have a close relationship with God. Because He came, we can have joy in this life and the life to come. Be aware of the joy that Christmas brought you, in the form of the people you got to see then and the things you were given, so that you can access blissful emotions such as gratitude and empowerment. They gave up their time and their comforts for Him. To be closer to Him. We don't have to deal with it for another year. If you decorated it is time to put them away. That's the Jesus who's given us a seat at the table in His kingdom.
This desire is so strong, when it really reigns in a man, that it impels him to make any sacrifice, to go through any trouble, to deny himself to any amount, to suffer, to work, to labor, to toil, to spend himself and be spent, and even to die, if only he can please God and honor Christ. Community AnswerThis is entirely subjective -- it's boring because you choose it to be so. Decorate for winter. But isn't reality supposed to be joyful, and full of love, gratitude and service that is not limited just to the Christmas season? And with the completion of that celebration the media firestorm surrounding the holiday will quiet for another year.
If things get too bad, or you are worried that you have clinical depression, talk to your doctor or a therapist.