Title: Seeing the Season with New Eyes: Reflections on “Christmas: The Things We May Have Missed”
The story of Christmas is so familiar that we often treat it like a well-worn path. We know the characters, the songs, and the scenery so well that we sometimes breeze right past the radical details that make the story truly miraculous.
I just wrapped up a 9-day journey through the Bible App devotional “Christmas: The Things We May Have Missed,” and it was the perfect way to peel back the layers of the holiday and rediscover the wonder of the Incarnation.
Slowing Down the Nativity
We usually see the Nativity as a static, peaceful scene on a mantle. This plan challenged me to look closer at the “messy” and “missed” parts of the narrative. Over nine days, the study highlights the overlooked perspectives—the social scandal surrounding Mary, the quiet obedience of Joseph, and the profound significance of God choosing a humble stable over a palace.
The Power of the Details
One of the most impactful takeaways from this study was how intentional God was in every minor detail. From the timing of the census to the specific prophecies fulfilled, nothing was an accident. The devotional pointed out things I had read dozens of times but never truly noticed. It reminded me that if God is that attentive to the details of the first Christmas, He is just as attentive to the details of our lives today.
Finding Jesus in the Noise
In the middle of the shopping, the parties, and the stress, it’s easy to “miss” the point of the season even while celebrating it. This study served as a daily pause button. It shifted my focus from the commercialized version of Christmas to the world-altering reality that God became flesh to dwell among us. It wasn’t just a “nice story”; it was a rescue mission.
A New Way to Celebrate
Completing these nine days has left me with a deeper sense of gratitude. I’m walking away with a heart that is a little more expectant and eyes that are looking for God’s hand in the quiet, unexpected places.
If you’ve ever felt like Christmas has become a bit “routine,” I highly recommend this plan. It will help you find the extraordinary hidden in the familiar.
You can find the plan here: Christmas: The Things We May Have Missed
We would like to thank Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing this plan. Their devotionals continue to be a source of daily strength and insight for millions around the world. For more resources, visit: https://www.odb.org/