We’re in that strange time between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The big gift-giving, feasting and family gathering day is over.  The radio stations have stopped playing holiday music and the after-Christmas sales are already in full swing.  New Year’s Eve plans are being made.  New calendars are being bought. 2016 is right around the corner.

But we’re in between.

I started to think of this in-between time differently this year.  What if we prepared better for the new year by recognizing that Christmas  has made all the difference?  Because a Child was born, because a Son was given, because we have a Wonderful Counselor and a Prince of Peace, we can face the New Year  with comfort and joy.

The in-between week gives us the time to let that sink in.  Instead of feeling sad that Christmas is over and the routines of our lives will soon start in again, we should keep celebrating.  We should keep thinking about the One born to reign in us forever, the One born to set the captives free.

Wrap yourself in the wonder that is the in-between.  Christmas promises that 2016 will be all in God’s hand.

My times are in Your hand.  Psalm 31:15

…the eyes of the Lord are ever on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.  Deuteronomy 11:12

“I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End”, says the Lord, “who is, and was and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices.  My flesh will also rest in hope.  Psalm 16:9