Yesterday, our Children’s Church blessed us with a heartwarming Christmas play that beautifully captured the spirit of the season. The air was buzzing with excitement as our church filled to the brim with parents, grandparents, family members, and friends—all eager to see the shining stars of the show. I happily took my seat in the audience, my heart swelling with love for my five-year-old grandson, excited to cheer him and his fellow performers on.
As the play unfolded, it quickly became clear that this was more than just a simple production; it was a heartfelt retelling of the nativity story. The children’s faces radiated pure joy as they brought to life the miraculous birth of our Lord Jesus. I watched intently, captivated not only by their performances but also by the genuine emotions shining through their little faces.
When the scene shifted to Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, I noticed shadows of sadness flicker across the children’s expressions, reflecting the weight of being turned away. Their small brows furrowed, and I found myself pondering the thoughts that must have raced through their innocent minds. How could there be no warm, welcoming place to embrace the Savior of our world?
Then came the magical moment—the arrival of the angel, resplendent and bright, delivering the joyous news to the shepherds. Instantly, the children’s faces transformed, lighting up with uncontainable happiness. It was as if a wave of delight swept over the entire audience, reminding us all of the profound joy that should fill our hearts during Christmas.
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of our Lord Jesus nearly seven hundred years before it happened. He beautifully declares, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest upon his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah tells us that a child will be born to save us all. He would be born of a virgin, and he would be known as the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. This child will bring light into darkness, the One who will lead many to Him. This is the child that Israel longed for, the child destined to grow up and be nailed to a cross to atone for our sins.
In Isaiah 9, we notice a strong emphasis on the word “joy,” which appears several times throughout the chapter. We might wonder why that is. The answer lies in the birth of the promised Messiah, a moment intended to bring joy to the world. Luke 2:8-12 beautifully tells the story of the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds: “That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.'”
This moment marked the fulfillment of Israel’s long-awaited hope—the birth of the Messiah. It should have been a time of immense joy and celebration. Yet sadly, the birth of our Lord was recognized only by Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds; much of Israel missed this joyous occasion, and unfortunately, the rest of the world did too. Today, many might overlook the significance of His birth, focusing instead on family gatherings, buying gifts, and celebrating the holidays with friends. For some, Christmas may bring heartache due to the loss of loved ones, making it a challenging time for joy.
However, dear friends, it is during these moments of pain and life’s storms that we can look up and remember that this long-awaited Messiah came to save us all. He arrived among His people not as a mighty king but as a meek and humble lamb, taking our place on the cross. My pastor often reminds us that Jesus was beaten to make us whole and pierced to bring us healing—whether in this life or in Heaven.
If you find yourself in a winter season of life, you might be wondering how to find joy this Christmas despite your struggles. As I mentioned in my devotion, “Facing Our Winter Season,” these difficult phases have an expiration date. They aren’t meant to last forever—after all, God created the seasons for a reason. Each season eventually gives way to the next, and although embracing joy in tough times may seem challenging, we can take solace in the truth that Jesus is the light of the world. Darkness can never prevail over the light.
Experiencing a winter season in life is much like observing a tree in winter. At first glance, it may seem lifeless and barren, but beneath the surface, roots are still growing and preparing for the arrival of spring. Just as the tree endures the cold, trusting that warmer days are ahead, we, too, can hold on to hope and faith through our struggles, knowing that brighter days will come. Just as spring brings new life and blossoms, our hearts can also discover joy and renewal even in the face of challenges.
No matter how much darkness surrounds us, Jesus stands as our light, ready to illuminate any shadow. Turn to Him and open your heart to His presence. Let Him transform your winter season into a vibrant spring. Only He can bring this change, for He declared on the cross, “It is finished.”
Reflection:
- Are you going through a winter season that dims your joy this Christmas? Take a moment to consider how the birth of Christ can fill your heart with hope and warmth during this season.
- What brings you hope and joy as you gather to celebrate Christmas this year? Where and to whom do you turn for comfort and inspiration during this meaningful time?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we come before You with grateful hearts, reflecting on the profound gift of salvation that You have brought into our world. We thank You for willingly stepping down from the glory of Heaven to take our place on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins and paying the debt we could never satisfy on our own. Your incredible love for us is beyond comprehension, demonstrating a grace that we did not earn and do not deserve.
As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, inspire us to embrace this season with the same joy and enthusiasm as the children in our church play, who eagerly welcome Your miraculous birth. May we approach this time with a sense of wonder and expectation, eagerly anticipating Your promised return. Help us cherish the true meaning of Christmas and keep our hearts focused on the love You have poured out for us. In Your precious name, we give You praise, amen.
Reference:
Caporusso, C. (2025). (Next City Church). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
