It is well over a month since Thanksgiving and Christmas. The turkey has been served, and the leftovers re-served incognito a multiple of times. The gift wrap is long gone to the dump, and the Christmas tree has taken up it’s position guarding the fragile dunes on Topsail Island. The decorations are boxed and are assuming their place in a corner of the attic or garage. It may be the end of January, and many people are out of the holiday spirit.

But why? Why should we pack up our holiday cheer, stop wishing for peace, joy and love and cease having concern and empathy for our fellow man? In other words, why should the Claus become the Grinch?

Christmas spirit, or to be politically correct, Holiday spirit, does not have to be seasonal like long underwear. We should begin to think of Christmas as a transformation, a change of heart, becoming a new creaturem (Eph. 2: 15, Col.3: 9 - 10). That would be great. But it isn’t an extra benefit or feeling that comes with a season, sparked by tinsel and twinkling lights. It’s a change of nature, a desire to truly love your neighbor, (Gal. 5: 14)

Personally, I don’t think it was the intent of the early church to commemorate Christ’s birthday as superficially as we do when we blow out the candles on a high caloric birthday cake. Surely, the solemn nature of Christ’s birth was meant to promote a feeling of good will to all, permanently. It was meant to outlast the "holiday season", beyond the period of unrealistic resolutions, the short-lived diets and the temporary resolve to exercise.

Imagine what this world could be like if we were concerned for one another, always ready to lend a helping hand, (Eph. 4: 31 - 32). Imagine everyone with a smile on their face and people who not only ask how you are doing, but really want to know! Sound impossible?

When my wife and I first moved down here from upstate New York, we reveled in the hospitality of most southerners. It speaks volumes about your upbringing, both at home and in your churches. As the pressures of modern life pick away at our graciousness, take the opportunity to repair and strengthen your armour of God, (Eph.6: 11 - 17), after the Christmas season.

So don’t put away the joy of the season to atrophy on some shelf for the next 12 (or 11) months. Make it last. Let us consecrate ourselves to God as a sweet smelling savor, (Ex.29: 18), pleasing to the Lord.

It may not be Christmas every week at Blake’s Chapel Advent Christian Church, but you are sure to find a kind greeting, sweet smiles and a lot of love. I believe that is what makes Blake’s Chapel unique. I’d like to think that we don’t pack away our love for others after the manger is packed away.