I took this photo at Fair Havens Ministries on a snowy winter’s day. Is there any greater comfort than knowing we are God’s children? Is there any greater peace than knowing we are firmly rooted in Christ Jesus? This truly is the reason we celebrate this festive season!

During Christmas, there is tremendous pressure on our schedules. The spark of hope may fade into a mere flicker as exhaustion settles into our tired souls. We might miss the greatest gift, which is the true joy that comes from the message of Christ's coming to earth.

If we do not take time to quiet our souls and immerse ourselves in the hope we have in Him, then perhaps our efforts lack meaning. If we fail to recognize the needs around us or are too hurried to serve the lonely and the lost, then we are just a clanging cymbal. The world does not need more noise; it needs the love of Jesus shown through us.

Christmas is a valuable opportunity for us to share the message of hope because the world celebrates Christ’s birth, whether they realize it or not. Most people enjoy Christmas carols even if they do not genuinely believe in their lyrics. The very name of the holiday that men, women, and children around the world celebrate — Christmas — means Christ come to earth. There are multiple ways to share this message, but sometimes, the quietest acts of love ring the loudest.

During the hustle and bustle of the season, I pray that you will have time to reflect on all that the Gospel means to you. May you and your loved ones be embraced in the peace that comes from the message of Christ coming to this earth. Hear God’s gentle whisper, as He assures you of your rootedness in Christ Jesus. You are loved, and you are God’s chosen child … His beloved.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons (daughters)” (Galatians 4:4-5)Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.