The Christmas Facade

December 6, 2024

Scripture Reference

Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
— Luke 2:4-5 NIV

Battling Christmas Perfectionism

After ten years of marriage, my husband and I can usually decorate our home in one day. But this year, there was a problem. We were out of town the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is when we typically get everything done. Then, the Monday after Thanksgiving, he was away on business. So, I called a friend. She’s the queen of Christmas, and we both had a few free hours, so we got to work. Garland, lights, wreaths, and bows went up outside. Unfortunately, almost every light in the garland from the previous year was out, so we spent a lot of time replacing them. We then set up the Christmas tree. But before we could even get the ornaments out, my dog escaped and ran down the street. By now, it was dark and freezing. A cold front had moved in. My eight-year-old son Grant was hungry and needed help with his homework. My decorating came to an abrupt halt. I ordered burgers from DoorDash and pulled out Grant’s weekly spelling words. After we ate, I went outside and plugged in the Christmas lights. From the outside, the house looked completely decorated. Inside, there was just an undecorated tree. This was my Christmas façade. On the outside, it seemed like I had everything together. Inside, there was just an empty tree, waiting for ornaments.

This is a metaphor for many of us. We put on a smile when we walk into work, church, or other social settings, but in our minds, we carry worries, doubts, and insecurities. I constantly remind myself that perfection isn't possible. God didn’t create me to strive for perfection; He created me to love and serve Him, and to help others. So, ladies, as you decorate your homes this Christmas and mail greeting cards to friends, remember—it’s okay to let your façade show a few cracks. No one on Earth has it all together.

Biblical Lesson

As Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, they may have seemed like any other young couple—newly married and expecting a child. But that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. In Mary's womb was the Son of God, the Savior who would rescue humanity from sin and death. I imagine they blended in with the other travelers, young and unassuming, journeying ninety miles on a donkey. From my research, most historians believe Mary was around fifteen years old. I remember bringing my own son home from the hospital—so tiny and fragile. Just placing him in the bathtub overwhelmed me. I can’t fathom the courage it would take, at just fifteen, to give birth to the long-foretold Savior of mankind. God chose the perfect family. They accepted their divine gift, returned to their village, and raised their son.

On the outside, Mary and Joseph appeared like everyone else in Nazareth—hardworking people, serving God and their community. Yet beneath the surface, they were raising Jesus, God incarnate, the Prince of Peace.

Prayer

God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, into this broken world. This holiday season, let me praise your goodness and mercy. As the chaos of Christmas fills my home, help me stay focused on You. Amen.