Got Post-Christmas Blahs?

There’s a funny “Day after Christmas” poem that might describe many homes in America:

‘Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurting — even the mouse.
The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor, while
Upstairs the family continued to snore.
And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,
Went into the kitchen and started to clean.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white truck, with an over-sized mirror.
The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said “U.S. POSTMAN.”

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox.
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.
Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

“Now Dillard’s, now Broadway’s, now Penny’s and Sears;
Here’s Levitz’ and Target’s and Mervyn’s ~ all here!!
To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,
Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!”

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.
He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
“Enjoy what you got … YOU’LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!” (1)

And then there are all the “returns” after Christmas.

Brian Bill dealt with this by quoting a poem by Dave Veerman called “Many Happy Returns” ~

“‘Twas the day after Christmas, And all through the room
Strewn wrappings were crying For use of a broom

The children were scattered, The friends’ gifts exploring,
Since now most of theirs Were broken or boring.

All tummies were stuffed From the fabulous feast;
Leftovers would serve For one month at least.

And mama and papa Were countryside ranging,
Those unwanted gifts Returned or exchanging.

Yes, Christmas is past With its bustle and noise,
Sales and carols, Santas and toys.

Decorations are packed, The Yule tree’s discarded.
The holiday’s over, Just as we got started….” (2)

It’s so true … if we’re not careful … all the post-Christmas bills and returns will get us down (unless, of course, we paid for it all with cash and chose perfect gifts).

Sometimes, as hard as we try, Christmas is disappointing. It’s like the child who opened all his gifts and then declared, “Is that all there is?” Or maybe there are some relationship problems. Or maybe there is so much activity and you run on adrenaline … and then you crash.  (I know it’s only the day after Christmas… it might take a bit to catch up with you!)

Here’s how I’ve always dealt with post-Christmas blues

Pleading Our Case

Even though I (Dawn) watched the Casey Anthony trial highlights with interest, I have to admit that I got a little tired of the lawyers’ questions.

They reminded me of some classic Lawyer humor. The following questions by lawyers were taken from actual court documents in America:

• “Now doctor, is it not true that when a person dies in his sleep, in most cases he just passes quietly away and doesn’t know anything about it until the next morning?”
• Q: “What happened then?”
  A: “He told me, ‘I have to kill you because you can identify me.'”
  Q: “And did he kill you?”
• “Was it you or your brother that was killed in the war?
• “The youngest son, the twenty year old, how old is he?”
• “Were you alone or by yourself?”
• Q: “I show you exhibit 3 and ask you if you recognize that picture?”
  A: “That’s me.”
  Q: “Were you present when he picture was taken?”
• Q: “Mrs. Johnson, how was your first marriage terminated ?”
  A: “By death.”
  Q: “And by whose death was it terminated?”
• Q: “Do you know how far pregnant you are now?”
  A: “I’ll be three months on November 8th.”
  Q: “Apparently then, the date of conception was August 8th?
  A: “Yes.”
  Q: “What were you doing at that time?
• Q: “You say the stairs went down to the basement?”
  A: “Yes.”
  Q: “And these stairs, did they go up also?” (1)

Lawyers get a bum rap, you know. People complain about the money they make and their alleged greed (some of them),  their pomposity (some of them), their dishonesty (some of them). Perhaps they are so unpopular because they often must defend unpopular causes and shady people.

But lawyers are a blessing, when you need one! A lawyer can be a powerful advocate.

One of my favorite descriptions of Jesus is that He is our Advocate.  In 1 John 2:1, we read, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

An advocate is someone who comes alongside us to plead our case (our cause). The word “advocate” in 1 John 2:1 comes from the Greek word parakletos (intercessor or consoler). Jesus can effectively represent our case, because He understands our frailties. He can not only be our powerful mediator and advocate before the Father (Hebrews 9:24), but he also intercedes for us in prayer (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Just as a lawyer stands between his client and the judge, Jesus, our Redeemer, is our all-sufficient Mediator ~ going between us and God (1 Timothy 2:5; Galatians 3:19-20).

A mediator is not a negotiator (someone who tries to make a deal or work out some compromise). God doesn’t compromise His holy standards. A mediator is a reconciler, bringing two sides together (2 Corinthians 5:18). And that is what Jesus ~ the God-man ~ does for us. Because of His sacrifice on the cross for our sin, and His resurrection to give us victory, He can reconcile us to God. He is the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:13-15; 24-28).

Have you ever THANKED Jesus for being your wise, loving advocate and mediator ~ pleading your case and reconciling you to the Father?

(1) http://www.jesussite.com/jokes/index.html