Lessons From the Christmas Story I’m Carrying Into the New Year

Christmas is just days away, and I love this time of year for so many reasons—sparkling lights, generous spirits, and joy-filled moments with friends and family. Christmas is it for me.

In preparation for the 25th, I love to read through the Christmas story. This year, as I read and took time to study, I was struck by a few facets of this well-known narrative. It was almost as though certain aspects of the story spoke directly to my heart—God sharing not only how His Son came to earth, but also lessons I can carry with me into 2026 to shape and grow my own story.

Mary’s Yes: Obedience No Matter the Cost

The first lesson comes from Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit. I’ve always been both humbled and challenged by her reaction.

Had I been Mary, I would have been in shock—asking doubt-filled questions, questioning every detail of the divine task, and probably running around town sharing the news in a way that led to very real consequences. But not Mary.

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” — Luke 1:38

Mary was a woman of deep faith. Her obedience came with a cost she clearly understood. To be pregnant and unwed meant speculation, judgment, condemnation, and likely rejection by her community. Yet none of that deterred her. She gave her yes with confidence in the God who had called her.

“How often do we avoid obedience because we are unsure of the cost?”

How often do we feel a prompting from the Lord—one that requires far less than what Mary faced—and still find ourselves avoiding obedience because of discomfort or fear of the cost? Mary’s yes in Luke 1 would be repeated throughout her life as she watched her Son, the Savior of the world, grow, minister, and ultimately die. Scripture paints her as a woman of obedience and unwavering faith.

The Unexpected Way God Works

Another facet of the Christmas story I love is how unexpected it all was.

The Jewish people had long awaited their Messiah. Many expected a King who would arrive with fanfare, power, and political authority. Instead, the Messiah came quietly—as a newborn baby, born in the humblest of circumstances.

“The long awaited Messiah was born in the most humble of circumstances.”

His entrance set the tone for His upside-down ministry. Jesus would teach truths that baffled the religious leaders of His day: the first would be last, greatness would be found in weakness, and true leadership meant serving others. Fully God, yet He came not to be served, but to serve.

None of it made sense in real time. But looking back, we see that this was the very foundation of our faith.

“Be very careful what you label as good or bad.”

This reminds me how often the reality I observe in my own life is not a true indicator of what God is doing behind the scenes. Circumstances may appear negative, but in God’s economy, He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Faith requires trusting the God of the universe—even when His ways are unexpected.

The Gift of Relationship and Community

My favorite part of the nativity story is the relationship between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, advanced in years, also experienced a miracle pregnancy. Though her husband Zechariah initially responded with skepticism, God’s promise was still fulfilled, and she conceived John the Baptist.

After learning of her own pregnancy, Mary traveled to Judea to visit Elizabeth. When they greeted one another, both babies leapt in the womb—a holy confirmation of what God was doing.

“How beautiful is it that God didn’t allow Mary to walk this journey alone?”

This speaks so deeply to the heart of God. Relationship matters to Him. In fact, the very reason Jesus went to the cross was to restore our relationship with God.

Life is hard. I’ve walked through seasons that were downright unbearable—losing our first son to stillbirth, job loss and major life transitions, and the painful reality of watching my mom battle dementia. Yet through every season, one constant has been the people God placed in my path.

“Thank God for community.”

Friends and family who showed up, who carried burdens with me, who were Jesus in my darkest moments. Their presence reminded me that I was seen and not alone.

The Christmas story reminds me of the precious gift of relationship—and the importance of making sure no one in my life walks alone.

As We Approach Christmas

As Christmas draws closer and the world grows louder with things that hold no eternal value, may we choose to slow down and remember Jesus.

“As Christmas draws closer and the world screams of stuff that has no eternal value, let’s choose to slow down and remember Jesus.”

His story is rich with meaning and truth. No matter where you find yourself this year—full of joy or walking through loss—may the truths of His conception, birth, life, and eventual sacrifice allow peace to reign in your story.

May our response be one of faith and obedience. May we walk out our stories in partnership with His people.And may we carry these lessons with us into the year ahead.

Merry Christmas.