I did it again. It has been three years since I practiced familiar Christmas traditions because of travel. I opened every box and displaced most. Some will be wrapped up for others at the end of the season. It is too much. I know it. I love it. The joy of this season cannot be matched because it brings hope to the broken-hearted and the rest who may not be experiencing an ‘abundant life’ today. We expect God to be God and do miraculous things. We also know that our will is not the same as God’s will so we try to pray ______ and thy will be done. My favorite decor are items created by my children who now have children of their own. Then other family keepsakes. I like wood snowmen and metal angels. I like white trees, red bulbs, and greenery. What I like the most are twinkling lights – preferably white. Years ago I wrote of a dilapidated farmhouse with deferred maintenance. It was an eyesore in the daylight but at night it was the most beautiful home on the street because the owner cared enough to surround all corners with white lights. The outline of a home with hope is superior to any other. We, in our sinful states, are a lot like that farmhouse. Because of Jesus there is no accounting against us. The death and resurrection of Jesus replaces legalism. There is no score and accounting. I cannot pray another into Heaven as it is between each one and God’s messenger. Jesus covers all. He is the light of the world. He sparkles day and night. Is God’s compassion empathy? Is His empathy compassion? He sees us in our suffering, He feels our suffering, and God moves in our suffering (outline from Pastor Koby 12/7/2025). Yes, the lights and decor are charming but what is alarming is if we miss the reason for this season.
