Today is Christmas Eve. And I wish a very Blessed & Merry Christmas to everyone.

As most Christians gather today, we will gather as grateful, loving and heartfelt people. But the honest truth is: there is a lot of darkness in our world. And so, we must also gather as a hopeful people. Our hope is rooted in a promise that God made many years ago. About 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah the prophet wrote this:

“For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us; upon His shoulder dominion rests. They name Him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, upon David’s throne, and over His kingdom, which He confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!” – Isaiah 9:5-6

For many, Christmas is marked by tradition – gathering with the ones we love for that favorite holiday meal, shopping in the same crowded malls, attending the same packed out candlelight service.

But this year, things will likely look a bit different for many, not because of waning traditions, but rather because of the familiar things they cannot do this year. This clearly will be true for all those suffering the ravages of war. There is no question that globally, this could be a very hard season for many.

But war is not the only thing that can dramatically alter someone’s life making Christmas any given year so very different. Some may have lost a loved one. Some may have lost a job. Some have lost their homes due to natural disasters. Many are struggling financially. The list goes on.

If this season is hard for you, if you’re looking forward to December 26 more than December 25, then I have a story for you to consider. A story of a young girl…

Mary’s Yes

Try to imagine, over 2,000 years ago a girl named Mary, likely no older than 15, betrothed but not yet married. She is visited by the angel Gabriel who tells her that she will conceive in her womb and bear a Son, and she was to name Him Jesus.

Gabriel’s announcement was an overwhelming proclamation. But the announcement was also an invitation. Mary had the choice to receive this blessing. She only had one question; “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” I don’t know about you, but I would have had a lot more questions!

The angel replied; “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” Luke 1:35

And Mary replied, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Mary’s “yes” should be a model of how we all ought to be welcoming Christ into our hearts and lives daily not just at Christmas.

The Struggle

But Mary soon found that saying “Yes” to God did not necessarily mean a carefree life with no worries or problems. On the contrary, saying “Yes” to God meant being misunderstood, having one’s character called into question, and having life take many unexpected twists and turns.

Her heart ached for her family. She felt separated from them. Under normal circumstances they would have been thrilled to learn of her pregnancy. But there were issues…countless questions. What, pregnant before the wedding? How to tell her very conservative family and with such a bizarre explanation? How to tell the man she was to marry that she was carrying a child who wasn’t his? It was a miracle he still married her. But there would be more miracles in store.

We have heard the story time and time again. But if you will, just imagine what it must have been like that first Christmas night. Mary’s struggle was real. Joseph and Mary had traveled nearly 100 miles on foot & donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They were exhausted from their travels. The smell of animals and hay surrounded them. They felt alone, but hopeful that God would provide. Can you even begin to imagine what Mary must have thought when she first held Jesus?

Mark Lowry’s 1984 song “Mary, Did You Know?” ponders that question for us. Take a listen to my favorite version of this song by Pentatonix.

Did Mary truly know that the child she had delivered would soon deliver her?

The moment Mary touched God’s face is the moment God made his case: there is no place he will not go. No chaos he cannot calm.

And so, into this Christmas filled with challenges and heartache, questions and longings – may the Lord do again what He did then: scatter the night with everlasting light. May He be born in us. May his Advent brighten the winter chill. And may we be reminded that because of Bethlehem, we can find a lifetime of hope.

Let God give us peace this Christmas season to remind all that everything is going to be just fine if only we keep holding His hand and following Him.

Breath Of Heaven

While Mary had said yes to the invitation to become the mother of Christ, she still had doubts. She questioned her worthiness, her ability to bear the unfathomable burden she would ultimately face. Just as we all frequently question the workings of our God and doubt His mission for us. But as Mary did, we must always trust His plan and ask Him for strength.

I have always loved Amy Grant and her music. And this is another of my all-time favorite Christmas songs by her. I invite you to take just a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply and put yourself in Mary’s shoes…carefully contemplate the words in “Breath Of Heaven”…

Keep walking through the night. When you find a lowly manger on your way, stop and rest. For you never know, that could be the very place God chooses to deliver you.

Thanks for reading this week’s “Tuesday Tip”. Keep an eye out for a new message next week. Click “Follow Me” to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!