Upland, CA — At Christmas time, the world becomes beautifully busy. Homes are decorated with lights and wreaths. Stores are filled with music, laughter, and people searching for the perfect gift. Families and friends gather, meals are prepared, traditions are honored, and memories are made. All of these things are meaningful, and none of them are wrong. Celebration is part of the season. But in the midst of all the activity, there is a gentle question that deserves our attention: Do you know Him?
Christmas is not simply a season; it is a sacred reminder. It is the celebration of a birth that changed the course of humanity forever. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season, and His arrival was unlike any other. He was not born in a palace. He was not wrapped in silk. He was not greeted by royalty. He was born in a manger in a feeding trough. A place of humility. A place of simplicity. Before Jesus ever wore a crown, He chose a cradle. Before He sat on a throne, He lay in a manger. That choice alone tells us so much about His heart. Jesus came low so we could be lifted. He came humble so we could be redeemed. He came near so we would never be alone. The world expected a conquering king, but God sent a suffering servant. Jesus entered the world quietly, wrapped in flesh, fully divine and fully human. He came not to be served, but to serve and ultimately, to give His life.
Christmas is the beginning of a story that leads to the cross. Jesus had to come to earth so He could die for our sins. His birth was not random; it was intentional. His life was not accidental; it was ordained. From the manger to the cross to the empty tomb, every step was taken so that we could have eternal life. That is the true gift of Christmas. Of course it is okay to exchange gifts, decorate our homes, gather with friends and family and enjoy the beauty of the season. But let us not forget the greatest gift of all, salvation we receive through Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Christmas is God’s love made visible. It is heaven reaching down to earth. It is grace wrapped in swaddling clothes.
And yet, knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him. Many people know the story. Many people know the songs. Many people know the traditions. But do you know Him? Do you know Him as your Savior? Do you know Him as your Redeemer? Do you know Him as your Peace in the middle of the storm? Do you know Him as your Hope when life feels uncertain? Do you know Him as your Strength when you feel weak? This season, I want to gently invite you to pause and reflect. In the quiet moments before the wrapping paper are torn away, before the table is set, before the calendar fills ask yourself that question honestly. Do I truly know Him? I know Him and I am grateful for His love.
Knowing Jesus is not about perfection; it is about relationship. It is not about religion; it is about connection. It is not about having all the answers; it is about trusting the One who does. Jesus came for the broken. He came for the weary. He came for those at crossroads. He came for those searching for meaning, healing, and hope. He came for you. If you are entering this Christmas season carrying grief, disappointment, or unanswered prayers, know this: the same Jesus born in a manger understands your pain. He was acquainted with sorrow. He walked among us. He felt hunger, rejection, and loss. And still, He chose love. That love is available to you today. As you celebrate this Christmas, may you enjoy the beauty of the season, but may you also remember the heart of it. Let your decorations point you back to devotion. Let your gifts remind you of grace. Let your gatherings reflect gratitude. And above all, let this be the season where you move from knowing about Him to truly knowing Him.
Wendy is the Purpose Partner helping women go from Crossroads to Confidence, from Shaken to Unshakable, from Purpose to Power. To learn more visit WendyGladney.com and ForgivingForLiving.org
