“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28)

This time of year in the middle of winter seems like the hardest.  The fall trees are brown.  The holidays have ended.  Even the distraction of football (a draw for fans – I’m not) will go dark in a week.  We tunnel into the middle of winter.  But an idle comment someone made got me to thinking – the days are actually growing longer.  The light in the evening is growing brighter.  There may be a few more months of winter before Jesus returns.  But we are moving in the right direction.