God didn’t come to fix your December. He came to be in it.

Four tired ways through Christmas

Which one sounds like you this year?

Fellow travelers

We aren’t the first to walk this way.

• The shepherds were terrified when the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angel’s first words were “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:9–10).
• Herod was busy managing his kingdom. He saw the child only as a threat to his control (Matt 2:3–8).
• The guest room was full. There was no place for them, so God slept in a feeding trough (Luke 2:7).
• The magi came a long way with no agenda except to give gifts and worship (Matt 2:11).
• Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).

The story of “with”

Six moments, one desire.

1. IEdenGod walks in the garden in the cool of the day, looking for his people (Gen 3:8).
2. IITabernacle“Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Ex 25:8).
3. IIIThe WordThe Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us (John 1:14).
4. IVImmanuelThe child is named for what he is: God with us (Matt 1:23).
5. VThe Promise“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:20).
6. VINew Jerusalem“God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them” (Rev 21:3).

Where the Shepherd meets us

The destination of every season is the same: God himself.

• From the garden to the city, God has wanted one thing: to be with us. Bethlehem is where that longing put on skin (John 1:14).
• You don’t have to make Christmas perfect for him to come. He already came, into a crowded house on a messy night (Luke 2:7).
• The one born that night promised he would never leave (Matt 28:20).