It has always been so interesting to me how different people prepare for Christmas. I love the pictures posted on social media as people begin these preparations. Some start as early as November while others don’t even get a tree until Christmas Eve and then there are those who never even take down their decorations and enjoy them year-round. I’m not going to lie to you. The people I envy most is those on the Christmas Hallmark movies. I mean, seriously. They all have houses that are more like mansions, no matter what their occupation is and at Christmas, they go all out. Every square inch of their house is decorated so beautifully. Or alternately, the storyline takes place mostly in a small rural town in which case, you guessed it, every square inch is decorated! It’s amazing! There are festivals and caroling and craft fairs; ice sculpting and bonfires and cookie contests. It’s a wonderland!

It always makes me feel like my preparations pale in comparison but I love every single one of those movies and watch them daily during this season, to my husband’s horror. There never seems to be enough time to do all the Pinterest ideas I pin each year. And for those who know me well, the baking ones are total fails worthy of its own Youtube video!

But whatever it is that you do with your family and friends to prepare for the Christmas season, don’t forget to make room and time to read and study the hope that came when Jesus was born!

Isaiah 9:6 says:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

When Isaiah gave the people of Israel this hope of a Messiah, their nation was in turmoil and darkness. Then in Matthew 1:23 we find this promise: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us"

So many of us may feel like we have no hope and our lives are swirling in turmoil and darkness but the good news is that the God who is with us is a God who wants to turn our darkness into light, our conflict into peace, our loss into abundance, our despair into joy. If a God like that is with us, that is good news to all eternity.

This Christmas season you may feel alone, forgotten and lost but God has sent a Savior; One that is with us in every way. You may say, Mary, I’m glad that works for you but I don’t feel God or see Him working in my life. May I respectfully ask you to take a moment and talk to your Creator, right now where you are. In the midst of your chaos, ask Him to show you what it means to know Him as One who is truly with you. My prayer is that you will feel His presence in such a strong way, that you will know He has answered that prayer. Even though all looks dark, He is with us.

For those of you, dear readers, that know God and have a personal relationship with Him, I want you to do the same thing. Slow down from your busy preparations and make sure you are preparing to spend time with the One we celebrate this season; the One who has promised to be with us.

Celebrate the God who came near. Celebrate the Father who gave all He had, the best He had to show His love for you and for me, for us all.

Unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given…