A Gift That Opens You

My friends, in all the rush and wonder of this season — the gatherings, traditions, family and friends — there’s a quieter gift that often gets overlooked. It doesn’t come wrapped, but it’s the one everyone really wants—the gift is Meaning.

I love that our readers and followers come from many different worldviews and faith backgrounds, and it’s the goal of “goodness” that unites us. It doesn’t matter if you’re “religious” (though we’re all religious, if you think about it). We’re all believing in some set of values and assumptions to make sense of the world and give us hope. And I believe we’re all searching for Meaning. A meaning that opens us up to what truly satisfies our soul.

So, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or neither, their historical accounts and their traditions have rich and powerful meaning for today! Their ancient significance has endured not because they are sentimental, but because they speak to something deeply human: the longing for light in dark times, hope when the world feels heavy, and reassurance that Someone knows and loves us — even when we feel alone.

At the heart of Christmas is the promise and fulfillment of Immanuel — “God with us.” We’re not alone. The baby in the manger was not a baby who became a King, but a King who became a baby—so that He could grow up and save us from our most deadly enemy: our sinful, prideful nature. When He was 33 years old, He willingly died on a cross so we wouldn’t be alone for eternity. He paid a debt He did not owe, because we owe a debt we cannot pay. Here’s a message explaining more about Immanuel, “God with us”. 

Hanukkah, too, reveals hope and meaning. It reminds us of a physical battle with spiritual significance. God blessed the Jewish people’s physical battle because they wanted to serve God in the spiritual. After they had victory, they returned to the Temple to worship as God intended, but there was only one day’s worth of oil for the ceremonial menorah. Miraculously, there became enough for the eight-day ritual. Here’s a short video explaining more about how God blessed His people with light.

I invite us to lift our eyes beyond the immediate, to restore our souls, and to remember what gives us real meaning this time of year. In a culture that often pulls us apart, this season offers something better--a gift that opens us--to a light and love that never leaves us.

For those who celebrated Hanukkah, we hope it was filled with light. For those who will celebrate Christmas, may you receive all that Jesus, the Immanuel, offers. And may joy fill everyone this week!