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Ooh. Aah. Aren’t they pretty? This may describe some of the scenes that we have to look at during this time of year. Many people have decorated houses, lawns and buildings with lights of various colors. Some cities have areas you can go to see special sights at this time of the year. And yes, it is beautiful.

It is amazing at the amount of money people spend on decorations each year. Some have many things in their yards and houses while others only a few. We are some of those who have many. Of course, we have bought nothing new this year but are still using things from years gone by.

We have a Christmas tree. Actually we have several trees. The one in our family room is decorated with ornaments that have special meaning. Some of them were made by our children. Some were given to us by special friends. Some of these friends are no longer with us. They have lived their life on this earth and moved on toward their reward. How many special decorations, ornaments do you have?

I have in my office a jar I received for Christmas one year. It has a candy cane stitched on top of the cloth lid. It was full of peppermint candy. The candy has been long gone but the memory of Alonzo Pettigrew still lingers.

Memories of days gone by are the one constant that we can hold on to. And I have many. I know this time of the year can be hard. For some they have lost a loved one who will not be by their side this year. Rest assured that the memory of that loved one will never be taken away. Others are without jobs, and the security it brings, this year. For someone who has had very much, and now it is gone, that is difficult.

We all have the promise that God will always be with His chosen ones—those who have obeyed His word. In our moments of distress and grief, God is there to comfort. Read (2 Cor. 1:3,4). God is the God of comfort.

Whatever your circumstances this year, thank God you have the most important thing. You have life through Him. You have hope because of Him. You have love because He loved you first. Let His love flow through you to others at this season of the year.