In a season full of contrasts—joy and ache, hope and uncertainty—I’m reminded that Jesus meets us right in the tension. The Child in the manger holds majesty and humility together, and He holds our contradictions too. This is the King who steps into our real, messy, in-between places with grace and peace.
Sometimes God answers prayers in unexpected ways. In the middle of a children’s song at Vacation Bible School, He reminded me that I’m still His child and that every act of service is a gift of His love.
When two women from a small 50-member church in Arkansas set out to feed kids at their Fall Fest, they only had 200 hot dogs—but God had something far greater in mind. By the end of the night, over 800 people were fed, and they never ran out. It was a miracle that reminded them—and now reminds us—that God doesn’t need the numbers. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we show up in faith, He shows up in power.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, her life changed forever. Faced with an unexpected and world-altering calling, she chose faith over fear and surrender over control. Her humble “yes” reminds us that surrender isn’t about understanding every detail—it’s about trusting the One who calls and walking with Him through every unknown.
When your days are consumed with serving others and your soul feels dry, remember that Jesus invites the weary to come and drink. Like a drink offering poured out in love, we can only keep giving when we’re refilled by the living water of Christ. His Word and Spirit renew our hearts so that His love can overflow again and again.