The day after...back to the routine ....

The day after....back to the routine...

With Christmas on Sunday this year, it almost felt there was no holiday...as there weren't any days off for most people either before or after  Christmas Day...so back to the routine...back to work....the wrappings are thrown away, the long planned for food eaten,  the tree barren of gifts...the Santas are gone, no more bell ringers at stores....the "after" Christmas sales begin, the rush to get the bargains we may have missed before Christmas...

The poor are still with us...the world is still in turmoil...food is still needed at the shelters...thank you's maybe needed to be written...returns to be  done...Christmas store decorations quickly disappear giving way to Valentine's Day....maybe a few family activities before school starts again, but mostly the "routine" is established again....

I wonder what is was like for Joseph and Mary so long ago...the shepherds surprises were gone...did the local people whom they told come? No more angel chorus'...did the crowded inn clear out so they could have some comfort? How soon did they travel back to their home? Did baby Jesus fuss when he was hungry? Did his eyes focus on the loving parents chosen for this formidable and cherished parentage?   Were Mary and Joseph still pondering the night before?   Or tired from the ups and downs of new parenting? Now, as young parents, they needed to establish a routine....back to carpentry...daily meal preparations...caring for a newborn...

Routine....until the wise men came...another event to hold dear, another move to Egypt..fleeing the ruler bent on destroying their child...and establishing a new routine in a foreign country ....

In our day to day routine, help me not forget the miracle of the moments, the breaths that You give, the Gift that You gave and continue  to give until the last one comes to You...the Counselor You sent to reveal Your truth, the plans You have  prepared....the people You send across my path...the miracle of Christmas...help me to ponder your Word, consider the principles you have given...help me to know Your heart...

Thank YOU...

Psalm 77:12-14 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 111:2-4 Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate.