Empty

Read

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” 

Think

After the holiday cheer fades, have you ever felt a bit like those deflated blow-up Christmas decorations dotting people's front yards? The rush of Christmas quiets down, and suddenly, it's cleanup time – sorting, tidying, restoring order. The buildup to this season is all-consuming, thrilling even for adults, filled with an air of anticipation and, truth be told, a touch of frenzy. The shopping, baking, endless parties, and wrapping consume the days and weeks leading up to it. Anticipation hangs in the air – will the gifts be just right? Will the family gatherings go smoothly? Will the food turn out okay? Yet, once Christmas day is over, there's often a lingering sense of letdown, a whisper of discontentment, maybe even a tinge of sadness.  

But what if we reframed this post-Christmas feeling as an opportunity? Ecclesiastes hints that this sense of longing is universal. It's as if we're wired to recognize that there's more to life than what we see around us. Many try to fill this inner void with things like money, fame, or fleeting experiences. And yes, even Christmas can fall into that category. We seek to fill that void with the magic of the season, only to realize it doesn't quite hit the mark. 

Amidst the chaos of cleanup, amidst the remnants of wrapping paper and boxes scattered around, let's turn to Jesus for direction. Let Christ be our beacon of hope. Let his presence guide us toward a life of greater meaning and depth beyond the superficial. 

 For Christians, the day after Christmas can hold even more significance! It's the celebration of Jesus' birth – the Savior has come into the world. He lived a sinless life, sacrificed himself on a cross, rose again, and now stands as an advocate between God and those who believe. Christmas isn't just a day; it marks the birth of hope itself. 

Apply

When discontentment creeps in, share it with Jesus. Then, consider how your faith in Jesus can be a source of hope and guidance in navigating the feelings of emptiness. Think about ways to integrate your faith into your daily life beyond the holiday season. Maybe invite a coworker to church, listen to Christian music on your way to work or take time to thank him for each day’s blessings. 

Pray

Dear Lord, when the busyness of the season fades, I turn to you for direction. Give me wisdom to see beyond the superficial, to understand that true purpose comes from you alone. Help me reframe this post-Christmas feeling as an opportunity to draw closer to you, to find deeper meaning and joy in your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.