The Party's Over

"Well, so that is that. Now we must dismantle the tree,
Putting decorations back into their cardboard boxes--
Some have got broken--and carrying them up to the attic.
The holly and the mistletoe must be taken down and burnt,
And the children got ready for school. There are enough
Left-overs to do, warmed up, for the rest of the week--
Not that we have much appetite, having eaten such a lot,
Stayed up so late, attempted--quite unsuccessfully--
To love all our relatives, and in general
Grossly overestimated our powers. Once again
As in previous years we have seen the actual Vision and failed
To do more than entertain it as an agreeable
Possibility, once again we have sent Him away
Begging though to remain His disobedient servant,
The promising child who cannot keep His word for long."
-- W. H. Auden

The week after Christmas is always in interesting mix of emotions.
We want to somehow hang on to the feelings of the season, but clean out the mess.

What things need be stowed away, and what should be left out?
I guess the tree and lights must go, but other things should stay,
like the peace and the joy,
love and service,
being wise and giving gifts,
humble kneeling and songs of praise,
following His light and coming to Him.


I always wonder if all the fuss and bother of Christmas was worth it. Did it make a difference in my life? Am I better for the experience?
Will I be any better at making room for him in my life this year?
Will I follow his light more than the darkness of the world?
Will I continue to offer gifts to Him?
Will I love better because Love was born?

Sometimes I feel like the promising child who can't keep his word for long.

But I still want to try.

For all He's given me, I really want to try.