In my mind’s eye, there’s a room full of beautifully wrapped boxes. Inside each box is one reason I believe in miracles. This week, the week before Christmas Day, I’m unwrapping one box at a time. The reasons included already have been: presence, innocence, strangers, writing, nature, and time.

I believe in miracles because of what happened on this day, and the baby that was born in a stable in Bethlehem. I believe miracles point us to Him, and that they are just as prevalent today as they were when He walked the earth. There are dozens of reasons to celebrate Christmas; many of them don’t have anything to do with religion, and many of them very good reasons to honor this holiday.  From spending time with family, creating magical memories for each other, upkeeping treasured traditions, having time to slow down, reflecting on the past to showing those we love with gifts and food that they matter to us, Christmas is about a lot of good things. Without Jesus’ birth, though, there would be no Christmas. I believe in miracles because I believe in Him: in His birth, in His love, in His power, in His grace. The fact that He was born, still lives, and still seeks a relationship with me creates great reason to feel overwhelming joy.

The other posts in this series (linked above) reveal some of the miracles in my life that make it impossible for me not to believe. If you’ve got questions or feelings or want to chat more about the Christmas Story, miracles or share your experiences, I invite you: Let’s Talk. May your 2023 Christmas Day be overwhelming in the warmth, peace, traditions, and family. And, if you are without family, and spending the day alone this year, sometimes perfect strangers can be the miracle you’re not sure you believe in at all, today may be dark… but shadows are created by light. I’ve found chasing the sporadic glimpses of light, like a child might chase fireflies, always leads me out of the darkness. 

Merry Christmas!