Every year as we enter the Christmas season, I find myself having a hard time with all the pressure that Christmas brings.  Did I buy the right gift?  Did I buy enough gifts?  Did I forget to buy something for someone?  Why are people so on edge?  Why can’t I find a parking spot at the mall?

There’s also social media portraying how much better everyone’s Christmas looks compared to mine.  

And then there is also the heartache I feel for those who find the holiday season so difficult.  Maybe their loved one is no longer here to celebrate with them.  Maybe strained relationships have kept their families apart.

It’s enough to make me forget the real reason we celebrate this season.  

At the end of the Old Testament there was 400 years of silence of God’s voice to mankind.  The prophets of old had foretold for hundreds of years that a Messiah was coming from the root of David.  A lion from the tribe of Judah.  Some waited in anticipation, while others remained busy with their own priorities.  The silence must have been deafening.  And the wait certainly must have brought hopelessness.

And just when the people had probably given up on ever seeing this Messiah come, God sent his precious son as an innocent baby….bringing a glimmer of hope again to the darkest night.

There is no greater gift that has been given to us than God sending his only son to this earth to dwell among us.  And ultimately He gave His life to save ours.  This season reminds me that God is true to His covenant.  Just as He promised, He sent His son to redeem mankind.

As you celebrate this Christmas with your family and friends, I pray that you will feel the hope that Christ brings.  No matter how dark it may seem, I pray that you would hold on to His word and know that He is faithful to keep His promises.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash