This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. The twinkling lights, fun parties we dress up for, and let’s not forget about the countless Christmas movies that gives us all the feels. Sometimes, in the midst of all of this wonderfulness, we allow the excitement to become an escape. We would rather spend four hours shopping for the perfect pair of shoes or staging the perfect photo for us to post instead of remembering why we even celebrate the true reason of Christmas.
The story of Jesus’s birth is one that was filled with emotion and unknowns. Mary and Joseph felt afraid and unqualified to be the parents of the Savior of the world. Mary was miraculously pregnant, but claimed she was a virgin. The shepherds who came to worship Jesus did not have status and were considered the lowest of the low during that time. They simply listened to angels, and because of their obedience, they had the experience of being in the presence of Jesus. The wise men became curious because of the meaning of the new star that appeared, and they followed the star until it lead them to Jesus. The beautiful part of this story is that, even through moments of fear, there were moments of celebration.
The story of Christmas shows us the importance of the choices we make. Just like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men each had a choice to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, we are given the same choice— and there is great reason to celebrate! We celebrate because Jesus left His heavenly throne to come to earth and live a perfect life. We celebrate because Jesus loved us so much that He would sacrifice His own life to pay the price of our sin. We celebrate because He is alive, ruling, reigning, and is seated by the right hand of the Father. We celebrate because the promises we are given through scripture results in experiencing the presence and power of our Lord and Savior. Now, everything may not be so merry and bright or anywhere near picture-perfect, but this does not diminish our reason for celebration.
This Christmas, you may be walking through some of your own unknowns. Thoughts of fear or worry may be consuming you, but my prayer is that you would not let these temporary circumstances hinder you from celebrating our Prince of Peace. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you would not compare yourself to someone else’s circumstances, get worked up about what you think you need, or even feel the pressure of perfection, but instead you would proclaim your hallelujah.
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
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Kelly McKinley serves on staff at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. She loves iced lattes and is constantly in the mood for a random road trip. Her heartbeat for the gospel has lead her to ministry opportunities from Haiti to Memphis and many places in between, focusing mostly on reaching young women in the Nashville area. Her past is one that has been scattered with grief, loss, anxiety, and depression but has been captivated by our need for Jesus in a world where these ailments run rampant. Only by the grace of God is she now able to encourage individuals to be confident in knowing that life is truly worth living. Her heart’s desire is to point others to Christ while they are grieving in grace. Connect with Kelly: Instagram