💛 A Frost & Firelight Message to You

As we move from the quiet wonder of Christmas Day into the final stretch of the year, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you.

Thank you for walking with me through this season — through the stories, the memories, the reflections, and the spark of joy that Frost & Firelight was created to share. This series has been a highlight of my December, and knowing you’re here reading along means more than you know.

And now, as we shift from the manger to the momentum of year’s end, we’re stepping into something special beginning tomorrow: the final five days of the year focus on Moteventure’s countdown of the 100 most popular posts of the year.

It’s a chance to look back at what resonated, what inspired, what made people pause, laugh, think, or feel something real. These posts aren’t just numbers — they’re snapshots of the conversations we’ve had, the stories we’ve shared, and the moments that connected us.

As we head into this home stretch, I hope these final entries bring a sense of reflection, celebration, and maybe even a spark of anticipation for what’s ahead. It’s been an incredible year of creativity and connection, and I’m grateful you’ve been part of it.
From my heart to yours — thank you for being here, for reading, for showing up.

Before we begin that 5-day task, indulge me in continuing with a bit of the spiritual journey we’ve taken during our Christmas reflections, namely preparing our hearts and minds for the new year!
— Jon @ Moteventure

🎆 Preparing the Heart for a New Year

A December 26 Reflection

December 26 carries a quiet all its own.

The wrapping paper is gone, the candles have burned low, and the world feels softer — as if the earth itself is catching its breath after the wonder of Christmas Day. It’s a day of gentle light and slower rhythms, a day when the soul finally has room to stretch out and reflect.

And in that space, something begins to stir:
the awareness that the year is ending, and a new one is drawing near.

But before we rush toward resolutions or countdowns, today invites us into something deeper — a moment to prepare the heart. Not with lists or goals, but with reflection, gratitude, and a renewed openness to God’s leading.

This is the quiet work of December 26.
This is the sacred pause between celebration and transition.

🌿 1. Begin With Stillness

The day after Christmas is one of the rare moments when the world naturally slows down. Let that stillness become a sanctuary.

Stillness isn’t about doing nothing — it’s about making space.
Space to breathe.
Space to listen.
Space to let the meaning of Christmas settle into the deeper places of the heart.

Ask God, “What are You whispering to me as this year closes?”
You may not hear words, but you’ll sense direction.

🕊️ 2. Reflect on What This Year Taught You

Every year leaves its mark — through joy, through struggle, through unexpected turns.

Before stepping into the next chapter, look back with honesty and grace.

• What strengthened you?

• What softened you?

• What surprised you?

• What stretched you?

• What healed you?

• What are you’re still carrying?

Reflection isn’t about reliving the past — it’s about recognizing the fingerprints of God on your story.

✝️ 3. Bring Your Heart Before God

Preparing for a new year isn’t about self-improvement.
It’s about surrender.

Lay everything before Him:

Your hopes.
Your fears.
Your disappointments.
Your gratitude.
Your questions.
Your longing for renewal.

The manger reminds us that God meets us in humility.
The cross reminds us that He carries what we cannot.
The resurrection reminds us that new beginnings are His specialty.

Let Him hold what you’ve been holding alone.

🌅 4. Ask What Needs to Be Released

Not everything is meant to follow you into the new year.

Some burdens have served their purpose.
Some habits have run their course.
Some fears have overstayed their welcome.
Some wounds are ready to heal.

Releasing isn’t forgetting — it’s freeing your hands so you can receive what’s next.

Ask God gently, “What am I still gripping that You’re asking me to let go?”

🌟 5. Name What You Hope For

Hope is holy.
Hope is brave.
Hope is an act of faith.

You don’t need a detailed plan — just a direction.
A longing.
A desire that reflects the work God is doing in you.

Write it down.
Pray it out.
Hold it lightly, but hold it.

Hope is the seed of transformation.

🔥 6. Make Room for God to Surprise You

The first Christmas was unexpected in every way.
God still works like that.

As you prepare for the new year, leave space for the blessings you didn’t plan, the opportunities you didn’t predict, the growth you didn’t anticipate.

Faith isn’t about controlling the future — it’s about trusting the One who holds it.

💛 7. Carry the Light Forward

Christmas isn’t an ending — it’s a beginning.

The Light that entered the world in Bethlehem continues in every heart that welcomes Him. Carry that light into the new year:

• In your kindness
• In your forgiveness
• In your courage
• In your compassion
• In your faith

The world doesn’t need more resolutions.
It needs more light.

And you carry it.

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If these stories have sparked something in you — a flicker of wonder, a burst of nostalgia, or a new curiosity about the season — consider subscribing to Frost & Firelight: 25 Days of Christmas Wonders and Moteventure. You’ll receive each new entry directly, and help us grow a community built on celebration, storytelling, and the shared magic of winter’s most luminous days.