Untrimming the tree...

As a youngster, I remember my mother's reluctance to take down the Christmas decor.  She usually waited until Twelfth Night to get the most out of our tree.  I must have inherited her sentimental gene.  Our tree usually goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving and shines brightly each evening until some point during the first week of the new year. 

It is a sad time when the first ornament comes off the tree.  The beginning of the untrimming.  There is no turning back.  In come the boxes and tubs for the ornaments and soon there is not a trace left of Christmas....

...or is there?  We carry the joy of Christ's birth with us throughout the year.  Even though we no longer have a tree in the room, Jesus lives within us.  He lives in our daily deeds and in the way we live our lives.

Luke 1:46-50:  "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for  He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation."

This year begin each day with God.  Your life will be a blessing.