Beholding the Beauty of Christmas
In the stillness of the morning I am laying here. It is 6am, my husband is at work, and my daughter is asleep beside me. Snoring softly with her little baby breaths. I’ve woken up most days with the thought that I just want to be in Haiti. Waking up to the rooster’s crow and growing warmth blowing in around the window that never seems to fit snug in the frame.
But today, I just feel thankful. Despite all that I wish to be different, my life is full of so much good. And I love Christmas.
Don’t get me wrong, I could do without the cold of winter and I find the idea of Santa Clause repulsive. Yet, there are so many beautiful things to behold in this season. It doesn't have to be about consumerism, overspending, anxiety over finding the perfect gift for everyone, or being able to afford this year’s hot item.
Although Jesus likely was not born on December 25th, and I won’t argue that Christmas is not an inherently Christian holiday. We have the opportunity to make today, and every other day about Jesus.
As H. W. Mabie said; "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
Seeing Jesus In The Season
How do we not get wrapped up in the materialistic side of December? How do we let go of all that is not perfect and just be grateful? How do we rejoice in the often cold and bleak season of winter?
We do this by seeing Jesus in the season. Giving him the credit for the beauty and the good things and leaning into Him in the hard and stressful parts of the ending year. We remember the amazing gift that we have in Jesus and the hope that His birth brings to the world. Fixing our eyes on Him we choose to let go of the temptation to stress over all the temporary things that don’t matter eternally.
Practical Ways I Am Beholding Beauty This December
Practicing Gratefulness - When I am tempted to think negatively I am choosing to see the blessings around me. Choosing to be grateful for the little and big things. After all, my husband and I being together for Christmas is something I dreamed of for years. Jesus has been so good to us, even if life is sometimes cruel, He is always kind.
Being in the Moment - Whether it be sugar cookie decorating, card making, tree decorating, worship times, looking at lights, or any other thing. I am choosing to be present. That small choice has brought so much beauty as I watch my 18 month old in awe of the simple things. Oh to be carefree like a child!
Focusing on Others - I have done this in a few different ways. One being putting thought into useful and beautiful gifts for those on my list. This has brought so much joy! (remember: a gift doesn’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful). Another big way I am doing this is blessing our community in Haiti with a Christmas/New Years meal. Though fund raising wasn’t as successful as we had hoped. I am at peace that I did my part in sharing, planning, and contributing what we are able to make it happen. (PICS COMING SOON!)
Enjoying Holiday Treats - Peppermint mochas, Christmas cookie candles, fuzzy pjs, and uplifting holiday movies. I’ve been finding joy in these simple seasonal pleasures. While they may not have much to do with Christ’s coming into the world, He is the one who gave us the ability to smell, hear, taste, feel, and see. God "richly provides us with all things to enjoy" 1 Tim. 6:17
Praying for the New Year - We are just a few weeks away from 2026! I’ve been praying for guidance, breakthrough, and blessing in the new year.
How About You?
Looking at winter with a Heaven focused lens we can behold the true beauty that lies there under the bleakness. This is how we can fight the winter blues and year end depression that plagues so much of our community. If you want to see Jesus in this season, you need only look for Him…
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What are some ways you have been beholding beauty in this season?
Are you tempted to succumb to the winter blues?
What is one blessing you are so grateful for this December?