There is something about Christmas that captures our sense of wonder.
You can see it in the face of a child looking at Christmas lights or waiting to open a gift. Everything feels exciting. Everything feels new. But as we get older, it can become harder to hold on to that sense of wonder. We know how the decorations get put up. We know what is inside some of the packages. We have heard the Christmas songs and read the Christmas story more times than we can count.
And sometimes familiarity causes us to miss just how incredible the Christmas story really is. Luke 2:10–11 says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Read those words again. A Savior has been born.
The God who created everything came near to us. The One who holds the universe together entered our world as a baby. Jesus stepped into our brokenness, not because we had earned His love, but because He loved us. God didn't remain distant. He came looking for us. That should never become ordinary. But it can.
We can sing about Jesus without thinking about Jesus. We can hear the Christmas story without being moved by it. We can go through the traditions, attend the services, give the gifts, and celebrate the season while losing our wonder at the One we are celebrating.
Maybe this Christmas, you don't need something new. Maybe you need to see what you've known for years with fresh eyes. Slow down long enough to consider what it means that God came near. Think about what your life would be without the hope of Jesus. Remember the grace you've received, the prayers God has answered, the ways He has carried you, and the difference His presence has made in your life. And then worship Him.
That's what happened in the Christmas story. The shepherds heard the news, went to see Jesus, and returned “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Their encounter with Jesus produced wonder, and their wonder produced worship. Ours should too.
In the final days before Christmas, resist the temptation to rush past Jesus on your way to celebrating His birth. Make room to sit with the story. Read Luke 2 with your family. Turn off the noise for a few minutes. Thank God for sending His Son. Let yourself be amazed again.
Christmas isn't ultimately about creating magical moments. It's about remembering the miraculous moment when God came near.
This Christmas, don't just remember the story. Recover the wonder.
You can see it in the face of a child looking at Christmas lights or waiting to open a gift. Everything feels exciting. Everything feels new. But as we get older, it can become harder to hold on to that sense of wonder. We know how the decorations get put up. We know what is inside some of the packages. We have heard the Christmas songs and read the Christmas story more times than we can count.
And sometimes familiarity causes us to miss just how incredible the Christmas story really is. Luke 2:10–11 says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Read those words again. A Savior has been born.
The God who created everything came near to us. The One who holds the universe together entered our world as a baby. Jesus stepped into our brokenness, not because we had earned His love, but because He loved us. God didn't remain distant. He came looking for us. That should never become ordinary. But it can.
We can sing about Jesus without thinking about Jesus. We can hear the Christmas story without being moved by it. We can go through the traditions, attend the services, give the gifts, and celebrate the season while losing our wonder at the One we are celebrating.
Maybe this Christmas, you don't need something new. Maybe you need to see what you've known for years with fresh eyes. Slow down long enough to consider what it means that God came near. Think about what your life would be without the hope of Jesus. Remember the grace you've received, the prayers God has answered, the ways He has carried you, and the difference His presence has made in your life. And then worship Him.
That's what happened in the Christmas story. The shepherds heard the news, went to see Jesus, and returned “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Their encounter with Jesus produced wonder, and their wonder produced worship. Ours should too.
In the final days before Christmas, resist the temptation to rush past Jesus on your way to celebrating His birth. Make room to sit with the story. Read Luke 2 with your family. Turn off the noise for a few minutes. Thank God for sending His Son. Let yourself be amazed again.
Christmas isn't ultimately about creating magical moments. It's about remembering the miraculous moment when God came near.
This Christmas, don't just remember the story. Recover the wonder.
Posted in Make Room