Written by Rebecca Johnson
A while ago, I had a conversation with my sister about Christmas—what it’s really all for. And the more I thought about it, the more I realised how easy it is to miss the true meaning of the season.
There’s nothing wrong with beautiful decorations, twinkling lights, or a Pinterest-worthy table setting. Those things can be lovely. But when we pause and truly reflect on the story of Jesus’ birth, we see something very different from the picture-perfect version we often celebrate.
Jesus wasn’t born in a glamorous setting. There were no fairy lights, no warm hospital room, no extended family gathered around. Mary and Joseph were hiding, denied entry, moving from place to place, and eventually found themselves in a stable.
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” — Luke 2:7
A stable—not a home, not a palace, not even a proper room. There was nothing flattering or comfortable about it. When you really think about it, it’s quite heartbreaking.
They were far from familiarity and safety. They didn’t have the support many of us associate with Christmas. And yet, in the middle of hardship, something incredibly powerful was taking place. God was entering the world—not in luxury, but in humility.
“Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9
God didn’t send His Son surrounded by wealth or ease. Instead, He chose obscurity, discomfort, and vulnerability. Yet even in that, God made sure provision came. He directed the wise men to bring gifts, offering what Mary and Joseph could not provide themselves.
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” — Matthew 2:11
They didn’t have their families around them. They didn’t have a warm place. And soon after, they would have to flee for their lives. Still, God was with them.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:23
This is why Christmas matters.
As we celebrate this season, I believe God is calling us to remember those for whom Christmas isn’t joyful or easy. The families who may not be able to provide gifts this year. The children who might go without. The people carrying grief, loneliness, or financial strain.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
Christmas is not a bed of roses for everyone.
And maybe that’s exactly why the story of Jesus’ birth still speaks so loudly today. It reminds us that God draws near to the broken, the overlooked, and the struggling.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
This Christmas, alongside the celebrations, let’s carry compassion. Let’s give when we can, love intentionally, and remember that the greatest gift was never wrapped in gold—it was wrapped in humility.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” — 2 Corinthians 9:15
Because in a stable, surrounded by straw and silence, heaven touched earth.
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