It’s funny how the one place I didn’t want to be at Christmastime ended up being the only place I wanted to be. Home. Surrounded by little hands and feet, hearing about the newest adolescent woes and being embraced by arms that have loved me through everything.

This Christmas season has been beautiful. It’s been unexpected but it’s been special, almost nostalgic. It’s not been any one thing, but a combination of variables. I’ve had a lot of down time this year, which is rare. I’ve spent many nights trying a new recipe or sitting by the tree reading. I’ve shared laughs with friends, both new and old. I feel rejuvenated; my spirit feels refreshed. I’ve spent a lot of time on my knees praying for friends in my life, praying for strangers across the country. I have a renewed faith to keep going, to keep fighting through my disappointments. I see things a little differently this season, and I have a new hope and promise for a future full of His goodness and grace. I don’t know exactly how it happened, but something in my spirit has been restored.

It’s been exactly what I’ve needed this season. Funny how God does that. He sneaks in when we’re not looking and shows us a glimpse of His promises and our whole heart shifts. He reminds us He’s still there, working for our good and for His glory. It’s been a beautiful thing to walk through — to visibly see His grace all around me.

As the year draws to a close, I hope you find peace in your heart. I hope you can slow down and enjoy the moments around you. Don’t plan the future away, just enjoy the present in front of you now. Breathe in the crisp air and soak up the world around you. Appreciate each day for what it gives you. Allow Him to move in your life because it will reshape your heart in unimaginable ways.

With all sincerity, let me say I love you. Each and every one of you. Some of you I’ve never met. Others of you are dear friends. Either way, know you are loved from this writer. Know I whisper prayers for you on a regular basis. And know I pray for you and your family to have the very merriest of Christmases.

Joy to the world for unto us a Savior is born!