1 Corinthians 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Christmas is a time of remembering.  We reflect back on the years as we engage in traditions and in the making of new traditions. I am watching my oldest navigate and enjoy her first Christmas in marriage, and her excitement reminds me of my first Christmas.

Parish and I often reflect on our first Christmas in our trailer on the York river with Victoria.  She had just turned a year old that July, 1999.  We pinched every penny, and we shared a car.  With no money to buy a Christmas tree, we went “shopping” in the field next to our home and pulled up the closest resemblance of an evergreen.  With a gaping hole in the front of the tree, we filled the spot with her favorite stuffed animal at the time. Our tree stand was an old crab basket washed up from the river.

Through the years, God’s love has never given up on us.  He has remained the ever faithful One in all our circumstances.

God never gives up on us.  

Take time this Christmas to acknowledge God’s faithfulness.  Perhaps you are in the middle of a circumstance that’s keeping you from enjoying rest and peace during this Christmas season.  It’s okay.  God is faithful even in our restlessness, sorrow, and unanswered questions. The absence or presence of suffering is not our measuring stick for our Joy, or God’s favor.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6