One thing to be watchful against is that old post-Christmas letdown, the year-end blahs. Or am I the only one who has that?

"Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11

With God all things are possible!

"The dayspring from on high has visited us." - Zacharias thanks God for his newborn son, Luke 1:78

"The twelve gates were twelve pearls, and the street of the city was pure gold." - Revelation 21:21

“My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.” - Mary to Elisabeth, Luke 1:46-47

"I will declare what he has done for my soul." - Psalm 66:16

"My kindness shall not depart from thee, saith the Lord." - Isaiah 54:10

"The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

What good tidings from him who publishes salvation, who says to Zion: "Thy God reigneth." - Isaiah 52:7

There is never a day in our lives or a situation we're stuck in, where vast opportunities for loving God and loving others aren't all around us. Never.

"O Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen gathers her chicks." - Jesus in Matthew 23:37

If Christ's approach to all the unlovely and unlovable people is just to love them more -- love them out of it -- what allows me to take any different approach?

Life in the church should logically be a foretaste of life in heaven, right? So much for logic.

"Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem?" - Cleopas to Jesus, Luke 24:18

"He is not here, but is risen." - Luke 24:6

The manger in a stable led directly to the tomb in a rock. Then death began working backwards.

"Remember ye not the former things." - Isaiah 43:18

No wonder Christmas is a stressful time.  Mary's child is the serpent's worst nightmare.

"Examine me, O Lord." - Psalm 26:2