Psalm 5:11-12 (NLT)
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
12 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.

Luke 1:30-33 (NLT)
30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

It was that time of year just a few days ago. Some folks are celebrated the gift we received, some the gifts they gave, some the deals they found, some the day/week after deals. Some obediently graced their church with their presence for the second time this year, some reflected on the enormity of the event that causes so much hubbub. Some enjoyed the eggnog and just took the time off to get away from the daily grind.

Now, on day 5 of 2019, if we’re not dialed in already, we’re getting ready to get dialed in. With that said, I’d like to invite everyone who left back to the miracle for days 6 through 365 of the year. This miracle is something that goes 24/7/365, never taking a day off.

Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)
17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

We do have a brother in Christ, the best kind of friend, one of those foundational friends. He came for us even when we didn’t know we needed him. Suddenly, he arrives in this little backwater village in the middle of nowhere. Like so many things God does, it didn’t fit with what we humans thought it should look like, what we thought the right thing would be, yet it all makes sense in hindsight as we learn.

Come back, stay. Grow your roots this year.