Christmas Letdown?
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
The days after Christmas can feel like a letdown. After weeks of preparation, parties, and anticipation, the festivities end, and we are left facing the demands of a new year. Unlike the British, Americans don’t celebrate Boxing Day, and most of us don’t have 12th Night celebrations either. Instead, we clean up wrapping paper, put away the leftovers, and wonder what the new year will bring. If the holidays went well, we savor the memories, but if we spent our holiday trying to please others and disappointing ourselves, it can all feel flat and tiring.
This emotional drop can leave us wondering if Christmas delivered what we hoped it would. Expectations of perfect gatherings, restored relationships, or deep joy often collide with reality. But scripture gently reminds us that Christmas was never meant to rest on our performance, our plans, or even our feelings. The true gift of Christmas is Jesus Christ, and unlike so many other gifts, He never disappoints.
The gift of Christ never disappoints us because He is constant. Feelings fade, traditions end, and seasons change, but Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. When the decorations come down and life returns to routine, His presence does not leave.
The gift of Christ never disappoints us because He meets us where we are. Christmas proclaims that God entered our ordinary, messy, human world. Even when we feel exhausted, overlooked, or let down, Christ comes near with compassion, not condemnation.
The gift of Christ never disappoints us because He brings lasting hope. While the excitement of Christmas morning fades quickly, the hope found in Jesus carries us forward, offering forgiveness, purpose, and the promise that God is still at work in us and through us.
As the quiet of post-Christmas settles in, we can rest in the truth that the greatest gift remains. Long after the lights are packed away, Christ’s light continues to shine—steady, faithful, and sufficient for every season.
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. When our hearts feel weary or let down after the holidays, help us to remember that Your greatest gift is not temporary. Ground us in Your unchanging love and renew our hope as we step into the days ahead. Teach us to treasure Your presence above all else. Amen.