Christmas Is Here: Don’t Panic

Tomorrow

You won’t be destroyed if you break your routines.  In fact, you might be blessed. Think of Mary, delivering her firstborn in a shed – far from home and in a place she didn’t know.  Sometimes these are the places God shows up. When the turkey explodes and the family start griping; it’s all okay. God’s in the mess.

God’s also in you. You’re not your 13 year old self. You might feel the same emotions, but you’re not the same person. Even if everyone responds in exactly the same way, even if they drive you crazy – you have choices about what you do and how you respond. You have the Holy Spirit; which means everything is possible.

Jesus has placed you in the lives of others to be a blessing. He promises to give you all you need to do this.  Ask Him to help you see those around you as He does.

Whatever your situation tonight and tomorrow –  even if you’re by yourself or surrounded by strangers –  Jesus is there.  That’s what Christmas is about; God with us.  Looking into our loneliness and sadness and longings and hopes and fears, He says: ‘You’re not alone and this is not It. I’m with you.  I understand.   More than a partner or a child or a family – I’m what you were made for.  At Christmas, I entered into every bit of your mess, so you can have every bit of Me’.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Matthew 1:23