With Us: The Presence that Changes Everything – Week 3: A Merry and Messy Christmas
As the Christmas season envelops us with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, it’s easy to get caught up in the idealized version of the holiday. We often envision a Hallmark-perfect Christmas, complete with beautifully wrapped gifts, harmonious family gatherings, and perfectly baked cookies. Yet, for many of us, the reality is far from this picture-perfect scene. Instead, we find ourselves amidst tangled lights, burnt cookies, financial stress, and family drama. And that’s just the surface. Beneath it all, we may be grappling with deeper issues like strained relationships, overwhelming grief, anxiety, and unfulfilled hopes.
But here’s the profound truth: Christmas, at its core, is about embracing the messiness of life. The story of Christmas is not a sanitized tale of perfection but a narrative of God stepping into the chaos and brokenness of our world. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t wait for us to clean up our mess before He enters our lives. Instead, He meets us right in the middle of it.
The Messy Story of Christmas
The birth of Jesus, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, is a story filled with scandal and discomfort. Mary and Joseph, betrothed and planning their future together, are suddenly thrust into a situation that seems scandalous. Mary is found to be pregnant, and Joseph knows the child is not his. This divine story, which we now celebrate with awe, was initially met with shock and confusion. Joseph, feeling betrayed, planned to divorce Mary quietly. But God intervened, sending an angel to assure Joseph that this child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and would be the Savior of the world.
The birth of Jesus itself was far from glamorous. Born in a stable, surrounded by hay, dirt, and animals, the King of Kings entered the world in the humblest of settings. This was no accident. It was a message that there is no mess too big for God. The manger symbolizes God’s willingness to step into the messiness of humanity to bring redemption.
God’s Presence in Our Mess
The message of Christmas is that God’s glory is not distant but intimately present in the messiness of our lives. The genealogy of Jesus, filled with imperfect and scandalous figures, reminds us that God can redeem any story. From Tamar’s unconventional pursuit of justice to Rahab’s faith as a prostitute, and David’s moral failures, Jesus’ lineage is a testament to God’s redemptive power.
This Christmas, as we reflect on the messiness of our own lives, let us remember that Jesus was born for this. He was born to step into our chaos, our brokenness, and our imperfections. He doesn’t just patch up our lives; He transforms them. His grace is greater than our disgrace, and His presence brings hope and redemption.
Practical Steps to Embrace the Mess
- Prayer: Begin each day by inviting Jesus into the chaos of your life. Be honest about your mess and ask for His guidance and transformation.
- Scripture: Dive into the Bible, a book filled with stories of redemption. Let these stories remind you of God’s power to transform messiness into beauty.
- Community: Find a supportive community where you can be vulnerable and open about your struggles. Life groups or small groups can be a safe space to share and grow together.
- Witness: Be a non-judgmental, non-anxious presence to those around you. Share the hope and redemption you’ve found in Christ with others.
As we gather around the table this Christmas, let us remember that Jesus is with us in our mess. He invites us to come as we are, with open hearts and hands, ready to receive His transformative love. Merry Messy Christmas, for God is truly with us.