"... to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” - Luke 1:77-79

The holiday season has now passed with all the joy and celebrations. The lights and decorations are being packed and stored until next year. Winter days are upon us with weeks of cold and cloud filled days. With all the parties, gifts, songs and laughter gone, is there any sunshine and joy for the days ahead?  The reality of life has set in.

A small but overwhelming ray of hope is found in the song of Zechariah. We have a God filled with "tender mercy" who brings "the rising sun from heaven to shine". When we know the Christ of Christmas as Savior and friend, we can have sunshine every day of the year. The reality of light has set in. 

My dear friend, please don't allow the hard winter days to get the best of you. Remember the One who loves you with a heart of "tender mercy". Jeremiah the prophet once said ... Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”  (Lamentations 3:22-24)  You can know peace and joy today because... The reality of love has set in.