In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:4-5

It’s that time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the welcome the New Year with family and friends. The holiday season is a great time to remember the blessing that we have received throughout the year, and look forward with hope and great expectations to the next.

Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Everything that we have, and have done, is because of what God did first over two thousand years ago. Yet the start of the story isn’t very pretty or perfectly wrapped with a bow.

Scripture tells us that Jesus was born in a manger. Not in a hospital, or in a comfy bed. The Savior of the world stepped off of His Heavenly throne, and became a man in the dirt and mud. The setting, situation, and circumstance didn’t determine the perfect miracle taking place, but instead the presence of the King wrapped in His mother’s arms. It was a moment of perfection.

Sometimes the holiday season can be one of the loneliest times for an individual who has seen tragedy or hardship. It becomes a time of memories and mourning hidden behind decorations and gifts. Sometimes we can get caught up in the setting, situation, or circumstances of this world. Yet we must all hold onto the Truth that Jesus Christ is with us through every moment of this life: the good, the bad, the perfect, and the imperfect.

This week, let’s celebrate that perfect baby who came, lived, and died for our sins before we were ever born. Let’s give thanks for the gift that was born in a manger, and let’s all become a light to those who need hope most.