I wonder what all the key players in the first Christmas story would think about the way we celebrate. They had no idea we would be telling their story more than 2,000 years later.

Time, traditions, heritage, cultures, and families have all merged together to create our vision of Christmas through art, music, pageants, plays, and programs. All over the world, the eternal hope, “Unto us a child is born,” is being proclaimed (Isaiah 9:6).

There was an extraordinary moment in history when hope entered a weary world. In the chaos and pain of humanity, Jesus came—not to bypass our struggles, but to meet us in them. His birth is a story of love and hope.

For some, the Christmas season brings joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for others, it’s a time marked by loneliness, grief, or unmet expectations. If that’s where you find yourself this year, know you are not alone. At the heart of the Christmas story is a message of hope—a light that meets us in the darkest places and reminds us we are deeply loved.

Sometimes the goodness of God shows up in such tangible ways it’s astounding.

Efficiency is often celebrated in our world. It’s the ability to do things well, with minimal waste, and achieve success. We live in a time-bound existence where failure, defeat, and wasted moments are common. This makes efficiency a prized value. But what does it mean to be spiritually efficient? How do we live a life that reflects efficiency in our walk with God?