Christmas’ Unexpected Changes

But God kept them from recognizing him.

~Luke 24:16 NLT

The news stung like a hornet against bare skin. Christmas’ unexpected changes had invaded our home and yearly tradition.

For over a decade, my wife and I celebrated Christmas with our two children on Christmas day. We considered it a sacred tradition—and thought they did, too. We loved watching them—and later their children—open gifts we had purchased for them. But then, we got the news.

Around mid-November, our daughter texted to let us know she was rearranging the Christmas calendar. She would not celebrate Christmas with us on Christmas day. Going from house to house was just too hectic. She wanted Christmas Day to be just for her and her two boys. The news crushed us, but we understood. We would have to face unexpected Christmas changes.

That’s when I suggested a change of my own. Since neither of our children would visit on Christmas Day, we would head to our favorite place: the Great Smokey Mountains. And Pigeon Forge, to be exact.

Jewish believers also encountered an unexpected change in the first century. The birth of the Messiah didn’t happen the way they anticipated. He didn’t arrive on a white horse to run off their Roman oppressors. Instead, He was born to a young unmarried teenager and in a cave manger. Many didn’t recognize Him because of this unexpected change—a change for them but not for God.

The holiday season often brings changes we don’t expect or want. A loved one passes away during the year, and we have to celebrate without them. An empty place resides at the table. An accident causes debilitating injuries and changes the way we celebrate the holidays. A child moves away to college or takes a job in a state far away. Perhaps even overseas. Arguments occur. Tempers flare. Anger and misunderstanding erupt. Unforgiveness sneaks in. We hear the “C” word.

The only constant about change is that it always happens, whether we enjoy it or not. We often can’t prevent it, but we can adapt and move on—which is what my wife and I did.

Whether or not you enjoy the changes Christmas may throw your way, remember the real reason for the celebration: Jesus’ birth and our salvation.

Let the joy of Jesus’ birth overshadow any other pain you may face as you enjoy the Christmas season.

Martin Wiles

Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is multi-published author. His most recent book, Grits, Grace, and Grands, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].

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