It often comes too fast, carrying with it a feeling of post-holiday blues.
The presents are unwrapped. The cranberry pie digested, and the remains of the Christmas feast sit in little Tupperware containers in the refrigerator.
The Christmas tree begins to fade and drop its leaves, and the task of taking down all the glorious lights and decorations lies ahead.
But yet, there is still time to linger in the Christmas light, and gather strength and hope for days ahead in its glow.
The end of 2014 looms, and the unknown of 2015 draws near.
In the twinkling lights all feels calm and bright. But in the approaching year of decisions and alarm clocks, and searching for purpose, the world feels anxious and shadowed.
Ebenezer Scrooge famously says in Charles Dickens' play, The Christmas Carol, "I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year."
I wonder what he meant by this and if he ever struggled to keep hope burning bright as days passed.
When the last of the Christmas decorations is put away, gift of Christmas still continues. The Christ child born all those years ago grew to be a man. The bright star that led the wise men to Bethlehem pales in comparison with the Morning Star that now shines.
So even if the lights dim in our yards, may the light of our hearts never grow dim, but may it grow ever brighter as we live in the promise of Christmas and share that hope with others.
