The annual tradition of decorating the house for Christmas is a time-consuming yet satisfying task. Right after Thanksgiving we crank up the Christmas music and get out the decorations. My husband puts up lights outside and places candles in each window while I decorate the tree and set out Christmas specific items accumulated over the years. Until New Year's Day, when it all goes back in storage, our eyes and memories are treated to something "new" around the house. The decor in my foyer features angels like the two pictured here. Sometimes the holidays are tinged with feelings of sadness or fear. While adding ornaments to the tree I experienced some of these emotions as I thought of family and friends no longer with us, and others living with insecurity due to health and financial concerns. But when I took out these Christmas angels I thought of this verse in the book of Luke,

"The angel appeared to the shepherds saying "Don't be afraid . . . I proclaim to you good news of great joy . . . today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you."