Jonathan Munson, Executive Director
“These are a shadow of the things that were to come, the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Colossians 2:17
The holidays are almost over.
Soon, all of the beautiful Christmas colors, delicious foods, and joyous festivities will fade into a cold, lifeless winter. And for many of us, that can bring about a mild case of the ‘post-Christmas blues.’
If you tend to get a little sad after Christmas, I sympathize. But here’s a truth that brings me great comfort during this time of year:
While the shadow of Christmas may be fading, the Substance remains.
Let me explain.
A shadow isn’t the real thing; it only points to the real thing. For instance, when we see a bird’s shadow on the ground, we know a real bird is soaring overhead. In the same way, all shadows point beyond themselves to a greater reality.
(At this point, I’m not saying anything you don’t already know, but bear with me.)
As wonderful as Christmas is, the celebration is only a shadow. The substance is Christ. All of the lights, presents, and parties were never meant to satisfy our hearts. They were intended to point our hearts to Jesus. He alone is the ultimate source of lasting joy and peace. Everything else is a fleeting shadow.
So, as the Christmas season winds down, it’s the shadow that’s fading away, not the Substance. Jesus is ‘God is with us,’ and He is still with us just as much today as He was on December 1st.
But it’s easy to confuse the shadow with the Substance, isn’t it?
This is what the believers in Colosse were in danger of doing.
While the Colossians weren’t celebrating Christmas, they were tempted to participate in Jewish customs and traditions (Colossians 2:16). Paul argued that the Old Testament law and religious festivals were merely shadows pointing to a greater reality: Jesus Christ. Since Jesus Himself fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17, Hebrews 10:1), they could leave the ‘shadows’ behind.
Similarly, Christmas reminds us of what God has done in the past, but it also points to the future, when all the shadows of this present world will be gone forever.
On that day, we will stand in the presence of Immanuel and will see Him “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). His light will shine brighter than a million Christmas lights, more spectacular than the noonday sun itself (Revelation 21:23). Can you imagine? Oh, what a glorious day that will be!
This doesn’t mean we have to stop enjoying the ‘shadows’ of Christmas. We’re free to sing and celebrate as much as we want. We can even go all out ‘Buddy the Elf’ if we want.
Just don’t mistake the shadow for the Substance. Remember, if you are a follower of Jesus, you have “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). What you have in Him is far greater than fleeting feel-good holiday sentimentality.
So, as you box up the decorations and take down the lights, don’t be sad. Rejoice!
The shadow may be gone, but praise God, the Substance remains.
DIG DEEPER:
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