It is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.

Let us simplify our lives a little, let us make the changes necessary to focus on the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship.

With Christ, darkness cannot succeed. Darkness will not gain victory over the light of Christ.

Yes, we will make mistakes. Yes, we will falter. But as we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us. The darkness will surely fade, because it cannot exist in the presence of light. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.

If we are only willing to open our hearts and minds to the spirit of Christmas, we will recognize wonderful things happening around us.

Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely. ... He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken.

Even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life.