I was talking with my mom about a week before Christmas. We were talking about all the “getting ready for Christmas” activities for family and 1st Church. There was still lots to do, lots to enjoy, and lots to plan. And then it would be over. Life moves on to New Year’s Day.

I commented that all the “getting ready” is really Advent in the Church seasons. And Christmas is really the 12 days following Christmas. So Christmas really isn’t over on December 26th. She said she knew that… But, she added thoughtfully, “Christmas light just don’t seem to shine as bright after Christmas.”

I think that’s right for most people. There is a lot of doing, planning, and anticipating for Christmas. And then Christmas Day itself marks a time of conclusion. It’s over. And if decorations aren’t immediately put away, most people mentally move on. Christmas has happened.

A friend, Rev. Rick Vogeley, shared a story I’m still pondering. Here’s a shortened version:

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long journey. So he packed a small suitcase with potato chips and a six pack of root beer. And off he went.

When he had gone about three blocks he saw an old woman. She was sitting on a park bench watching the pigeons. The boy sat down by the old woman and opened his suitcase. He thought the old woman looked hungry. So he offered her some of his chips. Without saying a word she gratefully accepted and smiled.

The boy thought her smile was so beautiful he wanted to see it again. So her offered her a root beer. Again she quietly accepted and smiled. And they passed the afternoon, eating chips and drinking root beer, smiling and never saying a word.

As the sun began to set the boy packed everything up and started back home. But before he had gone more than a few steps he ran back and gave the old woman a hug. She gave him her biggest smile.

When the boy got home his mother was surprised to see how happy he seemed. So she asked, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” The boy replied, “I had lunch with God. And do you know she has the most beautiful smile!”

Meanwhile the old woman returned to her home. Her son was stunned to see the look of peace and joy on her face. So he asked, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” She replied, “I ate potato chips and root beer in the park with God. And do you know, he’s much younger than I expected.”

The message of Christmas is: “And his name shall be Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23) Christmas is not just about the God who came, but also the God who continues to come. And maybe in these days when “Christmas lights just don’t seem to shine as bright after Christmas,” there’s still enough glow to catch a glimpse of “Emmanuel” here and there.

Glenn