The night of Jesus’ birth was exciting for Mary and Joseph. There before their eyes was the miracle baby whose coming into the world had been announced by an angel. The shepherds too saw and heard a “multitude of the heavenly host” praising God and heralding His birth (Lk. 2:13). How thrilling!

But a few days later, Mary and Joseph would be faced with the ordinary tasks of caring for a new baby and all the accompanying responsibilities. The shepherds would be back on the hillside tending their sheep. All the elements were in place for an emotional letdown, which often follows an emotional high.

I don’t believe they experienced any “after-Christmas blues,” however. Mary didn’t quickly forget all that had happened, and the shepherds couldn’t easily forget what they had heard and seen (Lk. 2:19-20). The angelic message had proven true, and their lives were filled with new hope and anticipation.

Two thousand years later, we have the full story. Jesus came to die for our sins, then conquered death for us by rising from the grave. We have more truth to ponder and more reason to glorify God than did Mary and the shepherds. We need not experience an after-Christmas letdown.

  — Herbert Vander Lugt