January always comes with a little bit of a holiday hangover. From the end of October through the first day of the new year we have so much fun, and activity, and parties, and presents, and time away from our mundane schedules to look forward to. Then January second shows up and we need to go to work, help kids get ready for school, and wonder what happened to all those delicious treats that were so readily available just a few days ago.
The switch from celebration to tribulation happens fast. One minute we’re surrounded by sparkling lights and bright colors and the next we’re in a sea of black coats pushing to survive the chilly walk from our car to the door. It’s hard to make that transition. However, we the lucky few have something that other people might not. For many Christmas is about sharing presents and spending time with family, but for those that call themselves Christian we revel in the news that a savior came to rescue us.
We don’t always feel happy, but we can remember the joy that lives in our hearts. In 1 Corinthians Paul reminds of the victory we can keep in mind. Partially quoting Hosea, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:55b-58,
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
We know that the only result of sin is death but through the work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ we can taste victory. We look at our lives that could be lost and know that Christ has the last word. Death is defeated, the man Jesus Christ laid death in his grave.
Even on a sunny day life can feel gray and cold. Whether you just have some post-holiday blues, life feels overwhelming, or you are dealing with a serious issue know that there is hope. Even when it feels far away remember that Jesus laid down his life because He loved you more than anyone in this world!