There is a warm glow that emerges this time of year – one felt from within more than seen.
What is seen has always existed in some form or another.
Time fades the quilts as much as it does the handwritten letters. And yet, in the fading, value oftentimes increases — not from money, but from a sense of nostalgia… a sense of belonging to a fabric or story that started long before us.
Many find joy in decorating for the holidays, carefully putting everything in its place – from manger scenes to place settings.
Others think fondly of holiday gatherings where children, now adults with children of their own, once eagerly went to bed so Santa could come.
Others struggle to find memories worth holding onto, or they have no one to hold onto in the present.
Still, they find themselves thankful for the simple pleasures and the ability to extend a kindness to others.
No grand gestures — just grand hearts.
Still, to some, the warmth of a glow not dependent on comparison or circumstance is out of reach; oftentimes, not from a lack of trying, but from a lack of understanding.
Light and warmth only need to be faithfully present to be powerful.
After all, we are carriers, not creators of the purest Light.
But we can keep a flame health-giving by our thoughts and actions.
Truly, the power of a gentle glow is an energy that can soften the harshest edges.
And there are many harsh edges, even in a round world.
Life and death are in each breath.
What we choose to seek is magnified by the company we keep most often.
Those who lean into life, even though hard, find their temperament soothed by speaking good reports and with a good rapport.
Beyond algorithms and agitations is the wick.
The Jesus in me, recognizing the Jesus in you, is the spark.
And the flame is the gift of salvation.
Wrappings are meant to be discarded… even the pretty ones.
Yet, we are meant to be eternally loved… even in our ugliness.
What a gift from Christ Himself: grace.
What are you seeking?
What are you hoping to find?
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” Matthew 7:7-8.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. For more inspirational articles, follow ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.