What Is This? Embracing the Gifts You Didn't Ask ForSample

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year — except when it’s not. 

While some people associate Christmas with sugar cookies, matching pajamas, and all the warm and fuzzy feelings, the reality for many others is that the holidays seem to shine a spotlight on what’s missing from their life. It’s a reminder of what was or what should be or what they thought would be. 

We sing about the very first Christmas being calm and bright, but a closer look at the Christmas story reveals that was actually not the case at all. Things weren’t calm — they were chaotic. And life didn’t seem bright — in fact, things felt very dark. 

Mary found favor with the Lord that most of us can’t even begin to comprehend, but it nearly cost her both her marriage and her reputation. She probably wouldn’t describe that year of her life as calm, even though she was carrying the Prince of Peace. 

King Herod was so worried when he heard the news of Jesus’ birth that he had all the baby boys under the age of two living in Bethlehem killed. Joseph was forced to escape with Mary and Jesus and live in hiding, so chances are Joseph wouldn’t describe the first Christmas as bright.

Jesus’ birth is why we celebrate Christmas, but the events surrounding His entrance into this world weren’t picture-perfect — however, they do show us how we can find hope in hard places and embrace the gifts we didn’t plan for. 

Whether you’re navigating something hard or enjoying the happiest of holidays this season, the hope of Christmas is the same for us all — it's Immanuel, which is another name for Jesus that means “God with us.” 

Whatever happened to you this year, God was with you.

Whatever hasn’t happened for you, God is still with you.

Whatever may or may not happen in the year to come, God is waiting there too, and He wants to walk through it with you. 

In the midst of chaos and confusion, God ushered hope and peace into the world on the first Christmas, and He wants to do the same for you this holiday season. 

Take some time to think about a situation where you feel alone or confused and imagine God in that place with you.