What I Want for Christmas
Now that the Christmas season has officially begun, I’ve been thinking about what I truly want for Christmas this year. As I read through the familiar passages of Scripture surrounding Jesus’ birth, several people stand out—examples of what I don’t want to be, and examples of what I hope to become.
In Luke 2:1–18, we meet the innkeeper. Though unnamed, he provided Mary and Joseph a place in the stable. Scripture tells us nothing more about him, but it’s easy to imagine his situation: an overcrowded inn, endless responsibilities, and constant pressure to meet the needs of weary travelers arriving for the census. Whether he worked alone or oversaw a staff, he was simply too busy to notice that the Messiah had arrived under his very roof. I see myself in the innkeeper. Every Christmas I find myself juggling countless tasks—organizing details, leading people, serving others, attending church programs, preparing the house, shopping, wrapping gifts…. Many years I reach December 26 only to realize that, like the innkeeper, I’ve accomplished every task, but missed the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Instead, I want to be like the shepherds who, upon hearing the angels’ announcement, hurried to be in Jesus’ presence. They set aside their responsibilities long enough to witness the miracle firsthand, and afterward they joyfully shared the good news.
In Matthew 2:1–16, King Herod responds very differently to the news of Jesus’ birth. Threatened by the arrival of the true King, he went to extreme lengths to protect his power. While I would never act as King Herod did, I can mirror his desire for control—allowing pride and self-reliance to keep Jesus from ruling fully in my heart. Instead, I want to imitate the Magi, who left their own agendas behind to follow the star that led them to Christ. When they found Him, they stayed, worshiped, and honored Him.
Finally, in Luke 2:21–38, Simeon and Anna show us another way to approach Christmas: with continual prayer, worship, and expectant hearts. Because they sought the Lord faithfully, they recognized Jesus instantly and experienced Him in a uniquely personal way.
This Christmas, like the shepherds, the Magi, Simeon, and Anna, I want to seek Jesus, encounter Him deeply, worship Him truly, and be forever changed by the miracle of His birth.
In Luke 2:1–18, we meet the innkeeper. Though unnamed, he provided Mary and Joseph a place in the stable. Scripture tells us nothing more about him, but it’s easy to imagine his situation: an overcrowded inn, endless responsibilities, and constant pressure to meet the needs of weary travelers arriving for the census. Whether he worked alone or oversaw a staff, he was simply too busy to notice that the Messiah had arrived under his very roof. I see myself in the innkeeper. Every Christmas I find myself juggling countless tasks—organizing details, leading people, serving others, attending church programs, preparing the house, shopping, wrapping gifts…. Many years I reach December 26 only to realize that, like the innkeeper, I’ve accomplished every task, but missed the miracle of Jesus’ birth. Instead, I want to be like the shepherds who, upon hearing the angels’ announcement, hurried to be in Jesus’ presence. They set aside their responsibilities long enough to witness the miracle firsthand, and afterward they joyfully shared the good news.
In Matthew 2:1–16, King Herod responds very differently to the news of Jesus’ birth. Threatened by the arrival of the true King, he went to extreme lengths to protect his power. While I would never act as King Herod did, I can mirror his desire for control—allowing pride and self-reliance to keep Jesus from ruling fully in my heart. Instead, I want to imitate the Magi, who left their own agendas behind to follow the star that led them to Christ. When they found Him, they stayed, worshiped, and honored Him.
Finally, in Luke 2:21–38, Simeon and Anna show us another way to approach Christmas: with continual prayer, worship, and expectant hearts. Because they sought the Lord faithfully, they recognized Jesus instantly and experienced Him in a uniquely personal way.
This Christmas, like the shepherds, the Magi, Simeon, and Anna, I want to seek Jesus, encounter Him deeply, worship Him truly, and be forever changed by the miracle of His birth.
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