"You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth.   Selah   {Psalm 60:4}

Banners have always been about celebration. As we pack up Christmas, and unpack a brand new year, we can celebrate that God celebrates over us with love. It says in Song of Solomon, 2:4 "He has brought me to His banquet hall, And his banner over me is love." That is a banner that all of us long for, and He has given to us, because we seek after him. As His child, Jesus wants to keep us safe and as we obey His word, we are kept. We are not given this place of rest because we earned it, but simply because we walk in His precepts.

Life can be so terribly complex when we wander away from truth. I have been sick this past week, and I can tell you for sure, when you're body isn't well, it can effect your spirit. We are interconnected, spirit, soul, and body. When you add to that changed schedules for the Holidays, kids getting under each others skin, and family visiting, life can seem out of order, ah, yeah, because it is.

This is an ornament from my tree. I was admiring it, and it slipped out of my hand and broke. I am glad that my joy, love, and faith do not depend on that ornament! How easily things can change and burst into pieces if we are not careful. Put people in tight quarters, with lots of cookies, and things can go awry!

Think of this month as a great jumping off point. A clean slate, a place to get alone with God, and receive your marching orders for a new year! There is excitement, joy and adventure in God, because His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!