Will You Linger Longer with Joy?

Will you linger longer or jump to the next thing?

January conversations usually include this question: “How was your Christmas?”

A quick answer is given, but then discussion moves on to new projects and goals. Some moments of life rush by, while others linger longer in our hearts and minds.

Christmas is in the rearview mirror. Valentines and Easter products are prominent in stores.

Boxing up the tree and nativity, I smile when I remember the joyful celebrations of December but I’m also relieved to have the house back to normal.

But wait. There’s more.

As I move through my house, I find lingering bits of Christmas—a stray gift bag, the stack of Christmas cards, a holiday mug in the cabinet, and decorative containers that once held homemade snacks.

Discoveries made after the decorations were put away.

I sigh as I jam them onto a random storage shelf or easy-to-find Christmas box. Around the piano, I’ve reorganized the mess of scattered Christmas music until next year.

Linger longer on the joy of salvation given at Christmas for every day.

Joy to the World continues each new day, not just as a seasonal carol. Written from Psalm 98, the lyrics do not tell the Christmas story, but recall the joy of salvation.

I light a pine scented candle and sip coffee in my snowman mug.

For a moment I choose to linger longer on the mystery of Advent, the joy of God becoming one of us.

Can I be like Mary, continuing to meditate on the meaning of redemption through the holy birth?

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 NIV

I recall the wondrous birth, the surprised shepherds, and the glorious star that pointed the way to the Savior.

Joy exploded into the world. Hope was born. Love came to us. The Prince of Peace appeared.

The busy holiday season is behind us. We breathe a sigh of relief as life settles into the regular routine without the soundtrack of carols in the background.

Yet, the spirit of Christmas is still with us, every single day.

We can linger longer on the joy, hope, love, and peace.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

Christmas remains in my heart and mind.

Could those pine needles on the carpet be a holy reminder to keep the joy?