Advent Guide: The Wonder of ChristmasSampel

There's Hope in God's Presence

Bringing a baby home for the very first time is made up of more parts than a 60,000-piece puzzle (notably the world's largest puzzle size). There's equal parts fear, excitement, cluelessness, and absolutely unending pure love – plus plenty of other emotions that sometimes you can't even name.

For me, I've always dreamed of becoming a mom. I truly believe that Calling was placed in my heart from the Lord. But during the bleary-eyed midnight (and 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.) feedings, it was hard to remember that truth.

I look back on that newborn season and remember the nights half-asleep in a rocking chair asking God, "When will this get easier? When will the hard end and the good begin?"

And sometimes, in the quiet, I'd hear a whisper that God was with me and that's all I needed to settle back in for the second half of the night.

His Eyes are always on us – even when we're in the midst of challenges unlike ever before. Because of His Presence and His relationship with us, we can have hope.

Can you imagine Mary when Jesus was born and first laid on her chest? I'm sure she questioned if she was the right mother for the Son of God. But maybe like me, she heard a soft, reassuring whisper, "I'm with you."

This Christmas, I'm so thankful for the gift of motherhood that Jesus has given me. But more so, I am reminded that while I'm not a perfect mother - the Perfect Son was born and died to give me and you the gift of Salvation – and a hope that won't disappoint.

Emily Ahrens is the Director of Marketing Communications for Buckner International. Her favorite things about the Christmas season are enjoying holiday movies, baking Christmas treats, looking at Christmas lights around town, and attending the Christmas Eve service.