It's time to take down the Christmas tree, but I'm delaying the job a bit this year. I'm gonna miss the lights and ornaments. Can I just keep them up I few more days?

Why do I like the decorations so much this year? They just seems to relax me, just staring at all the lights. And I think I need some after-the-holidays down time. Right now, I'm processing so many thoughts—memories of past holidays and loved ones, current problems around me, and future plans.

Past. I'm missing my parents again; the holidays remind me of them. I also miss celebrating the holidays with my relatives who don't live near here. And since we moved again this year, I miss seeing my children, grandchildren, and friends, who all live at least an hour away from me.

Present. I'm reminded of all the people who spent Christmas alone. In Hot Springs Village, a retirement community that we live in now (even though we're not retired), I observed several people celebrating alone. Some say they prefer a quiet holiday, but others ache for their loved ones. One couple without children, spent a quiet holidays at home alone.

Outside of The Village, a young widow expressed her grief and longing for her husband's presence—not "presents." One "homeless" friend, spent the holidays under the stress of financial burdens, unresolved relationships, and serious health issues, with no home to provide a celebration with her children.

Future. The future looks grim for many people. And in light of some of the other people I know, my problems seem small. I know things could always be much worse. But sometimes I lose sight of my blessings. And it can be a challenge to not get depressed when I observe the circumstances of the world around me.

As I revise this piece, I'm tempted to not post it on my blog at all—it might sound too depressing. Yet maybe others can relate to my thoughts. Perhaps they're missing their loved ones, or they need to resolve a relational conflict. Maybe the future looks hopeless from their perspective.

I would encourage you to write down some of your post-Christmas thoughts. Then, take a moment to rest in God's promises. Seek His perspective as you write down your thoughts. I pray you find the encouragement and peace you need.

As I think about my loved ones who no longer live on this earth, I bet they are still enjoying an awesome Christmas celebration In Heaven. The Light never goes out there, nor does the celebration of the Lord's coming ever come to an end.

"The City doesn’t need sun or moon for light. God’s Glory is its light, the Lamb its lamp!" (Revelation 21:23 MSG).

As you observe the afterglow of Christmas, what do you see? Mistakes of the past, problems of the present, and fear of the future? Or do you see hope and peace?

Photo/KarenJordan