Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
And just like that—it was over. The days and weeks leading up to Christmas are so exciting. When I was a kid, it was almost unbearable. We’ve all heard the saying, “slower than Christmas.” Well, that was certainly true then, but as an adult who has seen a bunch of Christmases, they seem to come not only regularly but quickly. It seems we kick off the New Year and suddenly we are popping firecrackers in July and then getting ready for another Christmas. Amazing.
While Christmas comes quickly, it also seems to go just as quickly. It seems just yesterday it was Christmas…oh wait…it was. Smile. But with all the anticipation, the last few days before almost seemed like hours. Easy come and quickly go. While there are many things I enjoy about Christmas, (not least being the food…can someone say, “ho, ho, ho) you must appreciate the kinder and gentler spirit most people express. If we are honest, most of us are usually just a little softer than we are the rest of the year. We smile a little more, laugh a little more, and show kindness a little more. That Christmas kindness can sure brighten an overcast sky or heart. But as quickly the day itself comes and goes, so does that Christmas spirit.
A guy named Harlan Miller said, “I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” Well, Harlan, I’ve got some good news—we can. You see Paul, the guy in the Bible, writing about Jesus followers says, “Now we have this treasure in clay jars.” Wow, we are literally jars of Jesus just waiting to be opened. And when a Jesus jar is opened guess what should come out? You guessed it—Jesus! He is the treasure inside us. And the Christmas spirit is just the aroma of Jesus wafting through the season.
That same verse goes on to say, “so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” In other words, we have the power to be like Jesus not just at Christmas, but each and every day. It starts with Him and not with us. So let me encourage you on this day after THE day to go ahead and crack the lid and let some Jesus slosh on the people around you. Who knows, it just might cause them to break into an out of season chorus of “Jingle Bells.” And remember, it’s not something we have to create, it is something we simply need to release and if you need a little help getting that lid off, just ask your Dearest Daddy for a little help. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 