The party is over. That’s right. The worldwide birthday party of the King has come to a close. The songs have all been sung, the candles blown out, the cake cut and consumed, the presents opened, the festive foods eaten and enjoyed, the party games have all been played and the party guests are now all gone home – leaving wrinkled wrapping paper, outdated decorations and an eerie silence in their wake. This celebration has definitely come to an end.

Which is why the aftermath of Advent feels so, . . . so, so something indescribably sad and empty. When the candles on the cake go out, all the good wishes and goodwill seem to evaporate with the smoke from the burnt out candles, leaving the party goers let down and longing to experience again the anticipation that fills Advent in those days leading up to the arrival of the guest of honor, who is Jesus, the Holy Child, the Messiah, the King of all kings. 

Advent’s aftermath is always a let down after the frenzy of excited preparation and the fun of participation in all the festivities that accompany the celebration of Christmas. But now what? If you are asking yourself this question in the aftermath of the month long party that we have all just attended in some way, at some time – you are not alone. Mary and Joseph experienced this post Advent pause after the initial celebration of Jesus’s birth.

Think about it. On the night of Jesus’s birth an angel appeared to the shepherds, bringing them “good news of great joy”, then the sky was filled with the celebration of heavenly hosts praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) 

After the angel’s appearance, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus for themselves and to worship Him. A special star even arose in celebration of Jesus’s birth, which would guide the Wise Men to the newborn King, because they desired to see Jesus for themselves and to worship Him. All of creation was rejoicing at God’s gift of His Son to mankind. But the celebration wouldn’t last.

Soon enough, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream to take Mary and Jesus and go to Egypt, because King Herod was searching for the newborn King, baby Jesus, with the intention of killing Him before He could rise to power. How quickly the situation turned from celebration and joy on the night of Jesus’s birth, to annihilation and fear in the months and years that followed. And this would not be the last time that human feelings and fortunes turned so completely and so quickly from worshiping Jesus to murdering Him.

Consider Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem years later, which is described in this way –

“When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, He sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!’ “ (Mark 11:9-10) 

This scene was quite a celebration of Jesus, it was an event full of joy and praise and hope. That’s why what happened just a few days later is so surprising. The same people who had been shouting “Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” were now shouting something quite different from before, something in direct opposition to their previous praises and shouts of joy. Their words of affirmation were replaced with words of condemnation, their joy replaced with misplaced anger. 

The crowd that had shouted “Hosanna!” so recently, was now shouting “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” in answer to Pilate’s question as to what should be done with Jesus. The crowd wanted Barabbas (a known murderer) released and they wanted Jesus crucified. How quickly this change of heart occurred! One day they welcomed Jesus in, the next day they demanded He be crucified.

So what will my own Advent aftermath look like? I made room, I prepared, I welcomed in the King of kings and Lord of lords with joy and expectation. The anticipation of Advent is over. The King has come. I let Him in. Will I let Him stay and make His home with me? Or will I allow the things of this world to crowd Him out? Will there again be no room in the inn or in my life for the One who gives me life and sustains my life? He has come to stay. Will I let Him make His home with me? His promise is offered to me and to you –

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) 

“Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’ “ (John 14:23)

Let my heart prepare Him room, not a guest room which is temporary, but let my heart prepare Jesus a home, which is permanent. Jesus came to stay. He came to take up residence with those He came to rescue and redeem. (“those” being me and you, dear readers) Having prepared for His coming, I want now to move beyond Advent to the adventure of daily life lived in the presence and the power of Christ, the King of glory.

The birthday party may be over, the candles blown out – but the Light of the world is here to stay, to make His home with all who will receive Him. The aftermath of Advent is not the end – it is the beginning of the new life Jesus came to bring us, abundant and full. His mercies are new every morning and His supply of compassion, forgiveness, love and acceptance is infinite. Every day is a reason to celebrate with Jesus present. The “after Advent” party is just getting started and I don’t want to miss out. 

Lord, You say if I’ll let You in, You’ll make Your home with me. I’m counting on that as I open up my heart to You. In the aftermath of Advent, I don’t want to inadvertently push You out again. As the song says, “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”

“Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)

sincerely,  Grace Day