Christmas is a season of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But let’s be honest—it’s also a season of chaos. Between untangling lights, burning cookies, and keeping up with Little Debbie Christmas tree snacks that somehow disappear faster than we buy them, the season can feel more like a scene from A Christmas Story than a Hallmark movie. And that’s okay because, as messy as Christmas can get, it’s often in the mess that we find the message.

Think about the very first Christmas. Jesus wasn’t born in a palace, surrounded by luxury and perfection. Instead, He came into a humble manger, surrounded by the noise and smells of animals—a messy, ordinary place that became extraordinary because of His presence. This moment reminds us that love doesn’t require perfection. It shows up in the middle of life’s chaos and transforms it.
As families, we often feel the pressure to create the “perfect” Christmas. But love shines brightest not when everything is perfect but when we show up, offer grace, and choose to be present, even in the imperfections.

Lessons from the Shepherds

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The shepherds in Luke 2:16-20 are a perfect example of this. These were ordinary, hardworking people who were probably overlooked by society. Yet, they were the first to hear the most extraordinary news: a Savior had been born. Without hesitation, they hurried to see the baby Jesus, finding Him in a simple, messy manger. And what did they do next? They couldn’t keep the good news to themselves—they glorified God and shared what they had seen and heard with others.

The shepherds weren’t distracted by the setting or caught up in the search for perfection. They were amazed by the miracle of Christ’s birth. Their story challenges us to pause during the holiday hustle, reflect on the miracle of Jesus, and share His love with those around us.

Clothing Ourselves in Love

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

If the shepherds remind us to focus on awe and gratitude, Colossians 3:12-14 shows us how to live that out, especially with our families. Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re daily choices we make in how we treat those around us.

Family life can test these virtues, especially during Christmas. Kids fight over the last candy cane, the cat knocks over the tree, and someone inevitably forgets to defrost the turkey. Yet, in these moments, we’re called to practice love and grace. Forgiveness and patience aren’t just holiday niceties—they’re reflections of Christ’s love in our lives.

Making Love Practical
So how can we bring this love into our homes this Christmas? Here are a few practical ideas:

1. Practice Patience: Take a deep breath before reacting to stressful moments. Gentleness can change the tone of an entire day.
2. Show Kindness: Look for simple ways to serve your family, like helping clean up or offering a kind word.
3. Forgive Quickly: Don’t hold onto grudges. If someone messes up, let it go—and if you mess up, apologize and make it right.
4. Be Present: Put down the phone and fully engage with your family. Play a game, share a meal, or just enjoy each other’s company.
5. Celebrate Jesus: Above all, keep Christ at the center. The gifts and decorations are fun, but they’re not the point.

This year, let’s make a conscious decision to clothe ourselves with love. Let’s show compassion when frustrations arise, extend grace when things go wrong, and create moments of joy and connection with the people around us. And most importantly, let’s remember the reason for the season: the incredible love of God, shown through the birth of His Son.

As we gather around our Christmas trees, let’s take a moment to reflect on the simplicity and beauty of that first Christmas. Like the shepherds, let’s stand in awe of the gift of Jesus. Like Mary and Joseph, let’s trust God in the middle of life’s uncertainties. And like Paul encourages us, let’s wrap ourselves in love and share it with those around us.

This Christmas doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. After all, it’s not about the gifts or the decorations—it’s about the love that brings us together.

So, light a candle, sing Silent Night, and carry the love of Jesus into your homes, families, and communities this season. Merry Christmas, and may your family be filled with the joy and peace of Christ!