The holiday season is often wrapped in twinkling lights, cheerful music, and endless reminders to be merry. But beneath the sparkle, many hearts carry something deeper—grief, disappointment, longing, or loneliness. While the world tells us to choose joy, I’ve learned that sometimes, the most honest place we can stand during the holiday season is holding both joy and sorrow in the same hands.

Every time I thought I had exhausted His grace, He poured out more. His relentless love found me right where I was–in the hidden basement I thought was too messy and too broken. And in His love, He offered me freedom. That’s the relentless love of Christmas.

A shepherd pauses to listen intently for any strange sounds coming from the pasture. Slowly, he scans the far edges of the field for dangers lurking in the darkness. He’s not frightened; being a watchman is a normal part of protecting the flock. But tonight is not a normal night