Twelve days remain, and the invitation isn't to buy, but to understand . Those of us who believe in God celebrate Christmas because love chose to draw near: meaning before wrapping paper, purpose before noise. It's not about marketing, but about memory and direction. We look at the manger and remember that what is essential is born simple… and transforms.

This time of year is for closing chapters . Big and small: an apology pending, a "thank you" never said, a boundary we need to set, a habit that must end. Closing isn't denying; it's organizing to move forward. It's also a time to honestly review the year :

• Challenges: What trials tempered you? What did you learn from your mistakes without sugarcoating them?

• Opportunities: What doors opened and which ones did you let pass? What gave you real peace?

• Fruits: Where were you most honest, most courageous, most humble?

With that truth in mind, let's set goals for 2026 : fewer promises and more daily evidence. Choose three verifiable commitments (family, work, health/faith) and assign them a deadline, an indicator, and an accountability partner. Christmas is the turning point: we close with love and open with character. Not halfway.

If there have been losses or breakups, don't force yourself to wear a fake smile. Honor the pain with respect and choose steps that build up: presence over gifts, conversation over posturing, quiet service over exhibitionism. As long as there is life, there is room to do things right. God doesn't call us to a facade, but to the consistency that brings peace.

Verse
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14