I enjoy the holidays, but, honestly, I am glad it's over. Things are returning to normal. The crowds, the traffic jams, the revelry, the office parties, the hectic running around from store to store looking for just the right gift to exchange with those whom you think will give you a gift, the spending frenzy - it was a jungle out there! And, everyone seemed preoccupied and out of pocket so that it was difficult to get important matters attended to promptly. Then there comes the day after Christmas when so many experience a depression called the "holiday blues."

Most everyone enjoys beautiful festive decorations, the fellowship of friends and family, the good food. It is one of the few times of the year when some families can get together. It is a time of warmth generosity, and friendliness. Some think about Christ and go 'to church, the only 'Lime of the year, except, perhaps for Easter. Our thoughts may even turn to sharing with those who are less fortunate. It is a time to reflect on our blessings and be thankful. All of this is good, without question.

But then comes the day after Christmas! Business as usual! What became of the "spirit of Christmas", I wonder? Where is the gratitude? What happened to that charitable warm feeling of "love thy neighbor"? The needy are still hungry and homeless, perhaps worse off even than before. And, what about our own children? They have been loaded down with all kinds of high-tech toys, games and "junk" which they have now become bored with. What they really need is love, concern and quality time with Mom and Dad. They need a Christian home with old-fashioned family values. They need parents who love and respect one another and their children. They need parental example, guidance and discipline. This assures them that they are important, and that they are truly loved and appreciated. This is something that all the money in the world cannot buy. We talk about the "spirit of Christmas", but in reality it is the Christian spirit that should be evident the day after Christmas and every day of the year.

But, there are some traps that people fall into at this time of the year. There is the temptation to overspend. It's so easy to pay for that expensive item with a piece of plastic, but then comes the day after Christmas when the postman starts delivering the bills. It is so easy to cripple ourselves financially so that we cannot properly provide for our families, or save for the future, or "lay by in store". There is also the temptation to overeat, and it is not uncommon for alcohol to flow by the gallons at office parties. There is also the temptation for immoral conduct. (Some way to celebrate the birth of Christ!) The days after Christmas are dreaded by grieving families who must bury those loved ones killed in traffic accidents where alcohol is involved.

But, the truth of the matter is: You cannot read about the "spirit of Christmas" in "he Bible. You cannot even read about Christmas in the Bible. There was never a celebration of the birth of Christ. But, we do read of the celebration of His death and resurrection, not just once a year, but every Lord's Day. May all your after-Christmas day be happy ones.