Who will catch you when you fall? Anyone who has had a great adrenaline rush knows what follows. The entire person goes into a slump when the adrenaline is burned out or used up. It is like the body has used all its resources during the adrenaline rush and has absolutely nothing left after. It is the sudden drop from feast to famine in a few heartbeats.

Other things can create the same high/low pattern. I saw students come in to class so hyper you couldn’t settle them down. They fell asleep midway through the class, a pattern called the sugar blues. Sugar and other things that make a person high can leave them blue at the other end. Addictions are created to keep the blues away and keep the high going. Anything can be used, even video games, for a person to try to control their own highs and lows with their own ability. I’m sure that is why the Bible teaches so much about idols, things people use to control their own lives or the lives of their surroundings. Godless gods.

That’s a long introduction to ask you how you are dealing with the day after Christmas? How long before the fresh paint of new wears off and drudgery returns? Is Christmas a high/low experience or another day of deep loving among friends and family? The difference seems to be tied to a frightening word called “humility.” You can’t love or be loved without humility. Humility truly experiences the worth of the other in the relationship and shows that value in thoughts, words, actions, and feelings.

Marriages can be a good metaphor. We are in a time where divorces outnumber marriages, but there are some marriages that last a joyful lifetime. The difference is in the values of the people involved. Lifelong marriages are like Christmas every day. Even hardships become miracles of growth and depth. The weaknesses of the partners becomes the strength of the relationship. It is just like Jesus said, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV. These successful marriages require a God who is God who is stronger than two people trying to be god. Love requires humility which breaks the addiction of people serving themselves.

I hope and pray that your Christmas will be a joy all year long. I pray that the love you give and receive will overcome all the highs and lows of life. I pray that the Joy of Jesus empowers you to find joy in all of your life, even your mistakes He has to clean up.