Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through him we have also obtained access by faith
into this grace in which we stand,
and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1, 2 ESV)
Slowly, I have been putting away the reminders of Christmas: the special decorations, the greeting cards from loved ones near and far and all the thoughtful gifts. Surely now then is the time to put away the nativity set. But is it? Perhaps, the beginning of a new year is the best time to ponder like Mary all these things in our hearts. For I realize I have a choice to make.
Will I box up the nativity set until next year and store it in an out of the way place? Or will I daily say “thank you” God for the incarnation which fills my life with meaning? You and I have been given an incredible gift. Through Christ, who justifies us by faith, we have been given peace with God and have access to the grace in which we daily stand.
This is the Good News God invites us to lovingly and appropriately “regift” all year long. And may we be inspired to do so often in 2014, by rejoicing in the hope of the glory of God!
Come Learn Rest Ministries 
You can leave it up all year if you like!!
As some wise person once said, even though we give special attention to Christ’s birth in December, in truth he is with us all year long!