It’s quiet in the house this Christmas morning as I sit looking at the lights on our Christmas tree. With a cup of hot coffee in my hands, I sit here and wait for the fog to clear from my sleepy brain. I woke up at 4:00 with some things on my mind.

As a lover of all things Christmasy, I have found myself in a bit of a funk this year. I seem to be surrounded by sadness. So many people I’ve known have died this past year. Illnesses and struggles (physical, mental, and emotional) have affected more than I can count. Loneliness and anger have attacked those I care about.

And here I sit, pondering it all. Just me and God – and my Bible and journal.

Tears sit close to the surface but don’t produce anything. Trying to make sense of it all, I sit in silence. I can’t even think of words to pray.

But then, God. . .

Then God speaks in the silence and reminds me of who He is. He reminds me of that first Christmas when His light shone through the darkness. During a time of great oppression and hopelessness for so many people, God sent His son to save the world. The problem was, most of the people didn’t recognize the saving. They expected something more. Or different. Or grander. Something political, social, or loud.

God reminds me of His faithfulness. He never promised there wouldn’t be darkness. But He is light and in Him, there is no darkness. He never promised a world without disease or illness. But He brings healing to those who walk with Him – sometimes on earth – always in Heaven. He never promised that loneliness or anger wouldn’t be present. But He provides comfort and peace through a relationship with Himself.

Saving looks different than what we expected, but it’s saving just the same. As I look back on my life, things that seemed awful or even hopeless brought unexpected blessings to me. Those things changed me and grew me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without God allowing those things into my life. His saving always looks different.

I haven’t been able to stomach much Christmas music this year. For the most part, it simply feels too worldly or fake. I guess it’s just part of the funk I’m in. But one refrain comes to my mind over and over.

Christ is the Lord! Oh, praise His Name forever
His power and glory evermore proclaim
Oh, night divine, oh, night when Christ was born

That night was divine because Christ came to Earth, as a baby, to rescue us from sin. He gave up the glory of Heaven to come down and live amongst us – to be a light in the darkness. Oh, praise His name forever. His power and glory evermore proclaim.