“For unto you is born this day ..” – from Luke 2:11

For the most part, Christmas is past. The season
continues, even on the Christian calendar, the lights are still up, and the
malls still resound with carols, but something has passed of the wonder,
excitement, and joy. In fact, all artificial joy has faded and most of the
world is experiencing an emotional letdown at this very moment.

But the Christian is not subject to deflation in the
economy of joy. Real joy is something deeper and non-circumstantial.

A New Year is about to dawn. Assessing the old year
may bring a feeling of disappointment, but tomorrow is filled with hope and
promise. Resolutions for how this fresh opportunity will be embraced are even
now forming in our minds. Our hearts are turning slowly to the promise of
tomorrow.

But what of today? The psalmist declares that this
is the day that God has made. Yesterday is passed. Tomorrow may or may not come
as we expect it. Today is now. It s a new creation. It is full of promise and presence.
God’s promises are eternal and His presence is a cause for celebration. It is
still Christmas and will continue to be Christmas every day we awaken with a
heartbeat. Then someday, we will awaken without a heartbeat and we will be in
His perfect presence. That will be Christmas indeed.

In the meantime, we have one great task each new
morning before any other is performed. We are called to rejoice and be glad, to
offer up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and to meet God in the day
as if it were the only day He had ever made.

This is the day He has made. Let us rejoice! Let us
be glad!