Presence doesn’t end at Christmas—it begins a way of living. The twinkle of lights, the hum of carols, the soft glow of candles—they are not just seasonal delights; they are invitations to notice, to breathe, and to dwell in the wonder of what God has done. In the quiet of the manger, in the humility of that first Christmas night, Jesus showed us that the gift of presence—the gift of God with us—is not just for a day. It is meant to shape the way we live every day.
Reflect on Your Season
Today, take a moment to look back over your season. Ask yourself:
- What mattered most?
- What softened me, even in unexpected ways?
- What surprised me—small miracles, ordinary joys, or moments of connection?
- What will I carry into the new year—habits, insights, grace, or faith renewed?
For me, this season has been a mix of joy and exhaustion, of hope and worry. I’ve felt stretched in ways I didn’t expect, but I’ve also noticed small moments of God’s presence—the laughter of friends over cocoa, the quiet prayers whispered in the car on the way to Christmas Eve, the deepening of relationships as we simply showed up for each other. Those moments, fleeting as they may seem, have reminded me that presence is not something I create on my own—it is a gift that flows from the heart of God.
May I Stay Awake to What Matters
Close this season with breath, reflection, and blessing. Breathe in the truth that Christ is with you—not just at Christmas, but every day that follows. Let that presence shape your heart, your choices, and your interactions.
May I stay awake to what matters.
May I live from peace, not pressure.
May I be here, in my life, deeply and intentionally.
May I notice the people around me, the ordinary gifts, and the ways God is quietly at work in my heart.
Merry Christmas. And as the season passes, may the presence of Jesus—not just the lights, the songs, or the gifts—be the gift that lingers, the light that guides, and the hope that carries you forward. Let presence become your lasting practice, a daily rhythm of noticing, gratitude, and living fully in the gift of God-with-us.
