For some, the day after Christmas can bring a sense of sadness. The excitement and celebration of Christmas day is over, the radio stops playing your favorite Christmas songs, and the gifts you bought for loved ones are now 50% off! We go back to work and the “normal” routine kicks in. Our excitement quickly dissipates, and the stress starts kicking in.

The Bible doesn’t tell us about the day after Jesus was born, but we can imagine that Mary and Joseph were feeling the exhaustion of the long journey to Bethlehem, desperately trying to find a place to stay, and the pain that Mary experienced with childbirth. They probably didn’t get much rest in the stable, and it wasn’t long before they had visitor’s coming to see the newborn King! Yet, as Mary held her little baby boy, we can imagine her thinking of all that had happened that led to this point. It probably felt a bit like an unbelievable dream as she reflected back on when the angel first told her she would be the mother of our Savior. At that moment, she may not have realized all that this privilege and responsibility would entail, but she knew that the baby she was holding was going to do great things. Mary pondering on the words that the shepherds had heard from the angels must have lightened the physical exhaustion they were feeling.

Life consists of ups and downs. We will all experience a “low” at some point. When this happens, we can either choose to focus on the difficult situations around us, or we can be like Mary and ponder on the One who came to give us hope and change the course of our future. I invite you today to ponder on all that Jesus has done and all that he has brought into your life.

Suggested prayer: Lord, feelings of excitement and happiness will come and go, but help the joy and peace that you brought into the world the night you were born remain in my heart always. Thank you for all that you have done and all you continue to do in my life, and in the world around me. I worship you my Savior and King. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    Luke 2:17-19 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.