The Days After Christmas Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Rest & Watch Movies Return Gifts Run Errands Watch Bowl Games Collect Tax Docs New Year’s Eve Party Church Brunch The Days After Christmas Tempted to move on from Christmas. We want to get on to the next thing. Been there done that – bring on the next. Look for a calendar to give us a clean slate. The accounting of Time nor its passing have this power. For just a few minutes, I want us to resist the urge to move on. I want to look at the original days after Christmas to see what they might demonstrate for us. Luke 2: 25-35.

Luke 2:25-35 NIV Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Rest & Watch Movies Return Gifts Run Errands Watch Bowl Games Collect Tax Docs New Year’s Eve Party Church Brunch

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Rest & Watch Movies Return Gifts Run Errands Watch Bowl Games Collect Tax Docs New Year’s Eve Party Church Brunch “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Rest & Watch Movies Return Gifts Run Errands Watch Bowl Games Collect Tax Docs New Year’s Eve Party Church Brunch The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

What do we see here? Simeon spent time with God (Word, prayer, and worship). God revealed His plans to Simeon and made a promise. Joseph and Mary “marveled.” Simeon prophesied that Jesus would reveal the content of people’s hearts. Simeon also prophesied that Joseph and Mary would have joy and sorrow. Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Rest & Watch Movies Return Gifts Run Errands Watch Bowl Games Collect Tax Docs New Year’s Eve Party Church Brunch

What does this say for us? Soak in time with God (Word, prayer, and worship). Expect God to reveal Himself and plans. Take time to “marvel” at what God has said and done. Jesus is still revealing what is in hearts. We too must learn to accept joy and sorrow. Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 Rest & Watch Movies Return Gifts Run Errands Watch Bowl Games Collect Tax Docs New Year’s Eve Party Church Brunch