The Day After

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. – Luke 2:39-40 (NRSV) 

Mary and Joseph are just showing off at this point. Not only do they comply with this ludicrous census, find an iconic place for Mary to give birth, and receive a gaggle of shepherds, but they also finish everything required by the law of the Lord? Come on, Holy Family, you’re making me look bad. Christmas-wise that is.  

This is more like my Christmas: The presents have all been given out, the stockings distributed, the feast feasted upon. Now there remains a great mess. Leftovers hastily stuffed into the fridge, blocking me from grabbing the milk. Toys gleefully scattered across the floor, unerringly finding their way beneath my bare feet. It’s not just physical detritus, either. The carols have been sung, the old words read aloud, the holy silences lingered over. Now there remains a great mess. Words spoken that I wish I hadn’t said aloud. To-do list items I had really intended to finish, now scattered across next Monday morning. 

As the day after Christmas dawns, I feel like I’ve got a big mountain to climb before I’ve finished everything required by the law of the Lord. Where to begin? Will I really believe that God’s blessing will be enough for me? Will I really, actually, let my heart be transformed by the birth of one child? Will I really, actually, for realsies see God in the midst of the mess of the world today? 

Prayer
God, help me to carry the spirit of Christmas with me into this coming year. Help me be light to the stumbling.

About the Author
Rev. John Edgerton is Senior Minister and CEO of Old South Church in Boston. He is the 21st Senior minister in the congregation’s over 350 year history.