A prayer of hope for when Christmas is over by Debbie McDaniel, read by Leah Martin.

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 1010.

Often this day after Christmas can seem maybe not so sparkly.

You might be feeling like the holiday spirit came and went by too fast.

Maybe you never did get everything done, but now that the big day is gone, you're already

vowing to make next year even more special.

Messy House calling your name, organization of it all begging for your attention, returns

waiting to be done, toys already broken, lights going out, deep breath.

His reminder to our hearts this morning, Christmas may be over, but he never changes.

So some days seem to have lost their shine.

He's still the same, wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

On all the big celebration days and on all the days in between, the manger is empty and

so is the tomb.

Jesus didn't stay there, he's alive today, our Emmanuel, God with us.

So whatever you might be facing, don't ever doubt his great love for you.

He sees you and he cares.

He made a way for us to be free.

And that truth puts all the joy and Mary in Christmas and in the new year too.

We still have such reason to celebrate, we still have great reason for joy today and

every day for he is with us.

I'm resting in this today and I hope you are too.

Mary is peace and joy, fill your heart and home today more than ever before.

...