My all time favorite Sunday School Christmas program was called “365 Days of Christmas Each Year.” Every month of the year had its own song and its own blessing. The play was more complex than most plays. At Saturday’s practice the children were definitely not prepared for the big program twenty-four hours away. There were upset parents and upset children’s leaders. Anyone who had seen the disaster of Saturday’s rehearsal, could only imagine the worst for what would happen at Sunday’s performance.

Yet, on that Sunday, just about the time the music began to play and children started to sing, a transformation took place. While the children sang about each month of the year, one could see how people were being touched and surprised by grace. At one point the three and four-year-old class passed hearts through the congregation, singing “God Sent a Valentine Specially for You.” It was one of those serendipity moments. For, when one looked upon faces that had been strained or anxious, one saw a sudden turning to delight and joy. And God’s mystery of love was made new all over again.

Christmas was never meant for just a single day. God’s love is new every morning. Two thousand years ago a baby was born in Bethlehem that altered the scope of human history. Nations have risen and fallen. Worlds have been found and explored. Lands have been conquered and lost. Yet, through the centuries this constant promise has brought hope to humanity. God is among us. God made a decision to enter our world in Jesus the Christ to be with us. Whatever happens to you. Wherever you go God’s gift of love goes with you.

You may find yourself rushed this Christmas. There may be stresses and strains. Arguments may mar the season. Life might bring some bruises and hard choices. Today or tomorrow may be painful. Yet, the love revealed in Bethlehem will remain. Your life may be filled with problems. Your family may be struggling. Your heart may be troubled. There may be tears in your eyes today, but God’s love is constant. It will not end. God’s promises are forever. When God chose to enter this world in Jesus, it was to stay. So join in the angels singing, share in the joy of Christmas. For the Christ of Christmas is here to stay.

*A version of this post was first published as “Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Days of Christmas Each Year” December 20, 2015