The unwrapping is over. Family dinners diminish. The decorations start to dwindle. New toys are stacked and the selection process begins…which ones do they play with today?
That sharp looking sweater…comfortable jeans…and shiny new shoes are all added to the wardrobe. Yeah…a new closet would have been great to have! Ok, so I’ll add cleaning out the existing one to the new year’s (never gets done) resolution list. Maybe this will be the year for accomplishment.
Many trees and lights stay up with an extended deadline, while some even remain all year. Letting go is not the choice for some. And that’s ok if it fits for you.
For the decorated trees that do come down, the glitter enthusiast shifts to the plain and ordinary. Beauty can still be found….even without the lights and glamour.
Wintry cold doesn’t quickly leave… sometimes it hasn’t even showed up yet. The hot chocolate and cider typically have no plans of being placed in the back of the cabinet anytime soon….and that’s a good thing.
Cuddle time underneath a cozy warm blanket with each other, the kids, or the grands is desired often and for as long as possible.
It’s now the season for these occurrences to take center stage. Whether briefly, with little attention given or purposefully, reflecting upon each one with great intensity.
A time to shift.
A time to adjust.
A time to move forward.
A time to remain.
Some things have now past and some do linger.
Advent has past. It’s purpose has not.
We all know, as believers, that Christmas stays in our hearts year round. Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love does not wither and fade like the balsam fir. They do not come down from our mantles nor leave when the manger scene is placed back in the attic.
They do not melt away with Frosty and only come back on Christmas Day. Santa doesn’t need to deliver these presents unless you have not received them before. They will not break nor need to be replaced.
So, I challenge you to know and embrace these attributes of God, that are offered to us and that originate with God – love, joy, peace, and hope. Romans 15:17
These gifts….Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love remain.
His hope…His peace…His joy…His love.
Jesus was born.
Jesus remains.
Emanuel………God with us…even after the tinsel is gone.
Photos by Create228studio
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