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The clocks have been set back, and the nights are getting longer. It’s always a little hard to make the switch.

I love this time of year because Halloween is over, and we slowly begin preparing for Christmas. I always look forward to Christmas!

It starts especially early for me as I begin looking for decorations—both for my home and for the church. I want both places to feel cozy and inviting.

When doing the decorating, I like to put warm apple cider on the stove, not to drink it – but to smell it. I also light a candle that smells like Christmas trees.

It’s amazing how scents can bring back good memories. I remember back in “the good old days” when my family used to go into the forest to cut our own Christmas tree. When I smell that candle, I close my eyes and I’m back there with them in the forest.

Ah—the smell of apple cider! I close my eyes and remember all the times sitting around the fire and in church, surrounded by friends and family, simply enjoying being together.

Sometimes I come across little Christmas scenes—tiny homes with lights, miniature families gathered for dinner.  There’s also a skating pond with skaters hand in hand, twirling around.

I find myself staring at those scenes, wishing I could step into them to become part of that happy little community.

I guess I am longing for warmth, community, love—and all the relationships to last forever. I wish we never had to say goodbye, never to grieve a loved one, never to deal with sickness or loss. I want to joyfully engage with all the people around me—forever.

My happiest moments are when I’m with my brothers and sisters, and there is unity and harmony in the room. In my heart, I have grown to deeply care for those in our Tuesday night group. When the evening ends and the room grows quiet, everyone is gone, and I strangely feel the loss.

This is what makes Christmas planning so exciting. I’m reminded that I really am with my brothers and sisters—and I’ll have them all for eternity. We all belong to God, and we are all in His family. Although things on earth aren’t perfect, there will be a day when we are all a part of a scene far more beautiful than any Christmas village we can imagine.

And this is what makes Jesus the reason for the season!

What an incredible gift He gave to us!  Not only did He give us salvation, but a new identity, abundant life, unspeakable joy, and endless hope. And we have each other!

I hope you’ll enjoy Jesus, along with all the Christmas preparations, as much as I do.