Christmas is
Snowflakes and beaches
Sunshine and coldness. Palm trees and pine trees.
Packages and bows. Travel and grandparents.
Friends and family.
Hot spiced cider, peppermint candies, hot cocoa and marshmallows.
Twinkly lights, red ribbons decking green trees.
Wide-eyed children licking candy canes.
Secrets and surprises. Parties and cookies too many to choose.
Carols and bells.
A bright star in a dark night.
Nutcrackers and sweets.
Giving and receiving.
Dreaming and believing.
Joy and sadness.
Christmas is
A bright star in a dark night
Quiet suspense as the earth holds it breath
Once more waiting for Immanuel
Born as a helpless babe
Poor parents needing shelter
An overwhelmed innkeeper shows
Compassion for weary travelers
Late-term pregnancy
A frightened first-time teenage mom
Births a baby alone with her new husband
While angels watch in wonder
Shepherds minding their own business
Interrupted and terrified
Angels burst with the news
Night sky as bright as day
A King is born!
Christmas reminds us
Jesus Christ came as a babe
Fully human
Fully God
Poor
Rejected
Overshadowed by scandal
A bright star in a dark night
Jesus is
Immanuel
God with us
Redeemer
King of Kings
Prince of Peace
Wonderful Counselor
Law Fulfiller
Ever present
Lover of your soul
Gracious God
Savior
Christmas is
More than a babe in the manger
Christmas is HOPE
A bright star in a dark night
God with us
Immanuel—our only HOPE of eternal life.
As you navigate Christmas this year, I pray you turn to the One whose birthday we celebrate.
Jesus Christ didn’t come to change the political climate. He came to bring salvation and redemption to every person ever born including you. When you and your family gather to celebrate and give gifts, remember Jesus—the greatest gift you and I will ever receive.
If you need help in this season, please reach out. I promise to listen without judgment and help you take the next step.
