“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”— Isaiah 9:6 SOMETHING TO PONDER A reflection on the gift of Christ and the peace He brings to a weary world. The holidays are full of excitement. There is so much happening—gatherings with people we love, meaningful gifts, decorations, traditions, special meals, and cherished moments. All of it can be beautiful and life-giving. Yet, as much as I enjoy this season, I’m also mindful of how easily we can become so caught up in the celebration that we forget why we are celebrating in the first place. Christmas is not about the perfect dinner or the most beautiful lights. It’s about a humble baby born into poverty over 2,000 years ago—born with a singular mission: to live a perfect life and ultimately offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. “Unto us a child is born.” Such a simple statement. A baby—vulnerable, dependent, and small. And yet, this one life changed everything. I often wonder when Jesus began to understand who He truly was—fully human, yet fully God. How did He navigate childhood with divine purpose resting quietly within Him? How did He balance ordinary human growth with perfect obedience to the Father? What grace that God chose to bring His message of hope and salvation through a form we could understand and relate to. Had Christ arrived in overwhelming heavenly glory, we might have been terrified or confused. Instead, God sent His Son as a child, as one of us. Jesus lived a life we can see, understand, and follow. His humanity makes His message undeniable and His love deeply personal. As we rush through decorating, shopping, celebrating, and gathering, let us pause to give thanks for the Child who was born for us. A precious human life, given so we might believe. What an extraordinary gift. YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER Father,We pause to give thanks for the precious baby You gave to humanity so that we might believe. What a gift Your Son is to us. Help us not to take His life, His purpose, or His sacrificial death for granted. Keep Jesus at the center of all we do this holiday season. Let us rejoice, give thanks, and offer sincere praise for the hope and salvation we have because of Him.Amen. THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON Reflect on how precious every human life is. Every child is a gift with the potential to impact the world. How can you be an advocate for life this holiday season? In what ways are you intentionally making Jesus the focal point of your holiday celebrations? Spend time thanking God for the gift of His Son. How does remembering Christ’s coming shape your heart and priorities today? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.