Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,^[a]
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Luke 1:78-79

What does “Photo Friday” look like when the week is consumed with the countless details that sometimes define day-to-day life – especially everything that has to be done in response to a death?

Well, it helps when the December season of anticipation is so omnipresent, and when Rebekah adds so much creativity and light to the Christmas decorations.

And it also helps to be a part of wider faith networks, like the Presbyterian Board of Pensions retiree seminar Rebekah and I attended this week, where good people gather to support and encourage one another, to both tell and celebrate the stories and the ministries we share.

The room was populated by retired preachers, missionaries, Christian educators, church music leaders and administrators, seminary professors, and many spouses.

So this week’s images represent, quite simply, light and fellowship and promise and – yes – the endless details too!

My favorite is this with my mum, outside the Wells Fargo after another grueling couple of hours of paperwork. She has been a trooper.

Peace, hope, love, and joy – DEREK

pics: retirees, us, Rebekah’s decorations, me and mum, and (always causing smiles) Max retriever