Christmastime is that time of the year that can stir up all manner of emotions. For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s the complete opposite. And then for some, they fall somewhere in the middle. I think I’m in the middle. I’m not a Scrooge, but I’m no Cindy Lou Who either.
That’s what happens when you don’t have family during the holidays. I’m honestly okay with it, but it doesn’t necessarily make the holidays something to be desired. The older I get, I want to focus more on the true meaning of Christmas and not get wrapped up in all the hoopla or any sort of expectations. I simply want the Holy Spirit to rest on this season and make it come alive like never before.
I’ve been reflecting on some verses that surround the birth of Jesus — verses that have totally brought a freshness to an age-old story.
Jesus chose to come to us.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit have always been. Before the beginning of creation, they were. Before the fall of man, God had a plan of redemption for us. There would be a sinless sacrifice that would bring forgiveness and redemption to all who would accept it.
This beautiful sacrifice would be a tangible reminder of God’s love for us and His desire to be in communion with us forever. In Heaven, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. The fullness of God’s glory is there. There is unceasing praise ringing out in the heavens. It’s a place of perfection in every way.
And yet, Jesus came. He left there, to come here, for us. He knew there was no other way. So, He came, wrapped in flesh. He was fully God and fully man. He was acquainted with all of our sorrows. He dwelt with us in every sense of the word. He didn’t have to come, but He did and He still does . . . ALWAYS.
The Holy Spirit does what only He can do.
And the angel answered her, “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)
One of the greatest miracles ever to occur was this . . . a virgin becoming pregnant, and better yet, becoming pregnant with the Son of God. What?! I think somewhere along the way we have become too familiar with this story, but this absolutely blows my mind! On my best and smartest day, I can’t figure out how to make this happen apart from the power of the Holy Spirit.
This should awe and wow us every day of our lives and especially during this season when there are so many people seeking for something greater than themselves. There are many who feel powerless and hopeless who need to know that there is a great and glorious God who performs miracles in our everyday lives. He comes in all of His power and does what only He can do. He heals and restores and rescues and forgives and redeems and sets captives free!
There is a deep heart work done in the waiting.
But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:20-23)
In the few verses preceding these, Joseph is contemplating divorcing Mary because he believes her to have been unfaithful to him. The few verses after find Joseph completely obedient to the Word of God through the angel.
What happens in between? In the waiting?
Joseph has a dream. He has a dream sent by God. He sees an angel. The angel tells him of God’s great work in Mary and His plan for Jesus. Overnight, Joseph’s heart was changed. He received revelation from God and immediately obeyed His will. God’s Spirit and truth accomplished a deep work in Joseph’s heart that no amount of pressure from people or persuasive arguments from Mary could have ever accomplished.
When God changes hearts, it’s for keeps.
This Christmas season may bring intense emotions and circumstances, but God is greater. He wants to open our eyes and ears, hearts and spirits to His greater work. And then He wants us to proclaim that work to the lost and hurting around us.
This is where the coming alive of Christmas takes place.
This is where I remember that the coming of Christ still matters today.
This is where I remember that there is always more to the story.
Is Christmas a hard season for you? I’d love to pray for you to see His greater work!
Leave a Comment
Kelli McKnight says
“There is a deep heart work done in the waiting.” Love your shared thoughts this morning as a reminder that there is always more to the story. I love remembering that God is always up to more than just one thing and the Christmas story is a perfect example of that truth. Be blessed today!
Karina Allen says
Thank you Kelli! It’s a beautiful time of year. And I’m excited to experience all joy and mystery that He wants to reveal to me.
Karen says
Thank you for sharing this message from God. Words He has obviously imprinted on your life through experiences. I do agree that much of my growth, like Josrph, comes in the “waiting “. It’s one of my challenges. God bless you and may His light of JOY shine on you!
Karina Allen says
Thank you Karen! I think waiting is challenging for us all. May we all learn to do it with grace and patience.
Penny says
Karina,
You are very wise for your understanding of the meaning. I still struggle with trying to figure it all out. But I do know it’s only possible because God made it to be that way.Thank-you for reminding us not to clutter our lives with what doesn’t matter, so that we can focus on what does, “God With Us”. Like in yesterday’s post these three words bring a great deal of comfort.
I hope that you have a blessed Christmas, you would be more than welcome to spend it at our home,
Penny
Karina Allen says
You’re so sweet Penny!
Thank you for reading and sharing! God With Us…that’s it. That’s everything.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Karina,
What a beautiful reminder that Christ comes to us. We, lowly sinners….He doesn’t leave us to clean up our own mess. He knows we can’t…and so HE COMES!!! If how Christ comes to us doesn’t totally blow our minds, then perhaps we are taking it too much for granted. For God so loved/loves us that He sent His only son in the form of an innocent babe to eventually be the sacrificial lamb…when I REALLY think about this, I can’t help but be blown away by His love and His power. Thank you Karina for helping us take an up close and personal look at what God did for us…for you…for me. Praise for what an awesome God we have! Now that’s reason to celebrate!!
Advent blessing to you sweet sister,
Bev xx
Karina Allen says
Thank you Bev! I want to spend this whole season with my mind being blown by the greatness and goodness of our Father. I want to steadily be in AWE of Christ’s sacrifice. He is all that matters today and everyday!
Blessings to you as well!
Anna Rendell says
Hi Bev! Would you be sure to check your email for a special note from me today? Thank you, and Merry Christmas! 🙂
Sam says
Thank you for sharing!! How good to know he is the reason for the season.
Karina Allen says
Amen Sam!
Ronda says
As my first Christmas in a new place ever and not being able to have Christmas for my 5 children due to financial hardship, I find myself slipping. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired. I feel as if I’m at my breaking point and then remember I HAVE to hold onto God’s promises and the greatest gift ever of sending his Son as the savior. Thank you for this timely and truthfilled message!
Karina Allen says
Ronda, thank you for sharing!
Father, You are the God of miracles. You make crooked places straight. You make a way where there is no way. Holy Spirit come and move as only You can in her situation. Overwhelm Ronda with you love, peace, joy and grace during this time. May she tangibly feel your presence around her. Uphold her. Be her strength. Exchange your easy burden for her heavy one. Speak words of life and hope to her spirit. May she have an open heart to receive from You!
In Jesus’ Name.
Michele Morin says
Yes, if we really let our hearts enter into the stunning truth of the incarnation, there’s enough WOW there to carry us through the entire season!
Karina Allen says
Amen Michele!
Lillian says
Thank you Karina for sharing the true meaning of Christmas. As I get older, I find the hoopla to be pervasive for the wrong reasons. Jesus was born! That’s it. Drop the mic. The joy of our Saviour should be the “reason for the season”. Period. God be with you and continue to show his grace and mercy in your life. I love your posts. Be well.
Addison says
“Jesus was born! That’s it. Drop the mic.”
Love this haha 🙂
Karina Allen says
Thank you Lillian! SO much Amen here!!!!!
He is EVERYTHING!!!!! Forever and Always!!!!!!!
I receive it…grace and mercy. Yes Lord!!!!
Marianne says
Karina, beautifully said! May God reveal and bless all of us this holy season.
Karina Allen says
Amen Marianne! Bless you sister!
Dee Sampson says
Karina,
You have written a beautiful message of hope and love in Christ Jesus. He is the reason we live each day. He was sent to save a dying world filled with sin; so that we would be reconciled to God the Father. Yes, Jesus is the miracle! He loves us
in ways we cannot even imagine. He completes us. There is no person on this earth or any one thing that matters more than Him.
I am grateful for your message. You did well!
Sending love, ❤️
Dee
Karina Allen says
My word, thank you so much Dee! You have blessed me greatly!
SO much Amen! Blessings to you in this season.
Jayne Smith says
These deep truths and waiting times go perfectly with my favorite scripture, “Be still and know I am God.” Resting in all of his attributes….lots to ponder in nice easy thoughts!
karina allen says
Amen Jayne! I love that verse too! Let’s all be still together!
Dale says
Karina,
This is so encouraging, this is where we build our faith (what happens in between? In the waiting God could change hearts, so Ronda be encouraged in this new place we are in, I believe change will come during our waited. Thank you for this message.
karina allen says
Thank you for sharing Dale! Be blessed!
SUSAN SHIPE says
It is most hard.
karina allen says
Praying peace and strength over you Susan during this season!
Susan Shipe says
Karina, personally I am fine – I am older than most incourage readers and have traveled a long road to get to this place of contentment – there will be empty places at our table but God has a plan and His plan is that my children walk in Truth. It may take a bit longer. God bless you.
Karen Crockett says
This is so beautifully written – so much powerful truth – thank you for using your God-given words to pen something I will save and enjoy reading over and over. I have the same feelings of wanting the fullness of the Word to permeate my heart this season and beyond. I love that both our hearts desire the same thing though our family circumstances are different.
karina allen says
Thank you SO much Karen!!! You have blessed me beyond words!!!!
Praying that God overwhelms you with His love and joy this season. May He make Himself ever so present in your day to day. May He surround you with spiritual family.
Be blessed sister!
Rebecca L Jones says
He does do deep heart work. And waiting is hard. I love the phrase, “wrapped in flesh “. So many people don’t understand the work or gifts of the Spirit. I just wrapped up an article called the Carpenter’s Son, I hope to get it on my blog. I think we all need to rethink Christmas and Christ. Come let us adore Him.
karina allen says
Amen Rebecca! Praying that we all are receptive to His heart work during this season!
Beth Williams says
Karina,
Your post is spot on! I feel to many people have forgotten the Nativity story. They know it so well they repeat it by rote. They truly don’t “know” it and understand the implications. Think of a young 13 yr old becoming pregnant without “having known a man”. The shame she would be bearing from others, etc. Yet she willingly said “thy will be done”.
This reminds me of a song “Leaving Heaven” by Matthew West.
Well, it’s been real nice living way up here
In paradise, over the atmosphere
But I can’t stay long, gotta make my way
I’m leaving Heaven today
You see the world is dark and it needs a light
I’m gonna hang a star in the eastern sky
So everybody’s gonna know where I touch down
I’m leaving Heaven right now
I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
You should know
That you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
Ain’t gonna be no kingdom, ain’t gonna be no crown
Just a little old manger, in a little old town
But it’ll do just fine for this humble King
I’m leaving Heaven let all the angels sing
I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
Trading in these streets of gold
So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
You should know
You’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
And when my time comes to an end
I’ll lay down my life like a truest friend
And when I get back home, I’m gonna make some room
So, don’t you worry, ‘cause I’m coming back for you
And you will say goodbye to that broken Earth
You’re gonna walk on streets of gold
And if you ever wonder what my love is worth
Well you should know
That I’m the reason you’ll be seeing Heaven
Oh, you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
I’m leaving Heaven
Have a blessed & Christ-filled Christmas everyone Blessings 🙂
karina allen says
Thank you Beth for sharing that song! What a great reminder!!!!
Julie Broadbridge says
God was acquainted with all our sorrows. He sent His only Son to be born, live among us, be crucified, died and then on the third day rose from death for Our Salvation. Thank you that as I receive radiotherapy for cancer during this Christmas I am assured of His constant Presence and have Hope and His Peace which transcends all human understanding. God Bless you Karina this Christmas and thank you for such an encouraging, honest and inspiring word.
karina allen says
Thank you Julie for sharing!
Father, I thank You for Julie’s life. She is Your beloved daughter. She is loved by You with an everlasting love. Your plans for her are good and holy. I speak healing over her body. I speak life. She will live and die. She will have a long life that flourishes and honors You. I speak to every cell in Julie’s body to align itself with the purposes of God and to function the way they were designed to function. We thank You for the healing. We declare Your truth over her life and the life of her family. We love You and give You all honor and glory!
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Julie Broadbridge says
Thank you Karina, God has sustained me through radiotherapy and all the awful side-effects. I have only 2 more external radiotherapy treatments before being admitted to hospital for my 1st of 2 Internal Radiotherapy Procedures, which I fear. Please pray for protection of my bowl, bladder and pelvic bones as this is high risk and for me to endure through it. After this I have recovery time before my final results and I believe I will receive my complete healing, in Jesus’s Name.
Shelia says
Christmas has been a hard time for many years. Being a single mom, it’s hard to see happy families together. I need to get out of my slump and embrace the real meaning of Christmas and that my kids will see it too.