Love Arrives, Faith Begins

Nothing about Jesus’ birth looked impressive. No spotlight. No applause. Just obedience in the middle of uncertainty.

During this holiday season, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos and feel inadequate—like we aren’t doing enough or can’t express our love and gratitude the way we wish we could. Sometimes plans don’t turn out the way we hoped. Sometimes health struggles or life circumstances take a dark turn during what is supposed to be a bright season.

With all the noise and fast-paced activity, we need to pause and take a quiet moment to reflect. The truth is, God often works in quiet places. Purpose doesn’t always look impressive, and you don’t have to have everything figured out for God to use you or turn your life around.

As we reflect on the birth of Jesus in Luke 2, I’m reminded of Mary’s courage. She was a young girl, already betrothed to Joseph, when an angel appeared to her. Mary understood the reality of her culture—that pregnancy outside of marriage could mean rejection, disgrace, or even death. She knew this situation could cost her Joseph and her future.

Yet Mary chose obedience. She chose faith. She trusted that God would guide her through the uncertainty and protect her through the unknown.

Many times, our own circumstances don’t look the way we hoped they would. We face pain, heartbreak, and situations that feel impossible. When the darkness feels overwhelming, we can look to Mary’s courage. She trusted God, and He carried her through it all. At the end of her journey, she was met with the Light of the world.

No matter what we are navigating right now, we have been given the promise of a Savior. God Himself—the sovereign, all-knowing, all-powerful Creator—loved you enough to humble Himself and step down from His throne. He entered the world in a human body, born quietly in a stable surrounded by animals and hay.

In the stillness, the first cries of Jesus were heard—not in a palace or a pristine medical center, but in the lowest of places. Yet this was exactly how God chose to meet humanity.

For you, He lived a perfect life.

For you, He became the perfect sacrifice.

For you, He bled and died—paying your debt and offering you a gift: eternal life.

All you have to do is recognize the sin in your life, believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose again for you, and pray—asking Him to be the Lord of your life. That means choosing, from this moment forward, to live each day for Him.

This is where faith begins.

Will you have the courage and willingness that Mary had to put God first in your life?

Will you accept the free gift that has been given to you?