Christmas brings out the inner child and childhood memories of Christmas, and the differences in beliefs, traditions, and dealing with memories of those who are not with us any longer.

Christmas can be a wonderful and challenging time for many couples who are married or engaged. It can even be a challenging time for those who feel pressured to become engaged.

So as you can imagine emotions can be at the utmost high and very overwhelming at times. You try to figure out who’s house you get to go to first and what time, finances, and other factors allows or does not allow to be done. But in all the hustle and bustle of the season, there is a sense of excitement of what is going to happen that day…

This brings me to the journey of our Savior Jesus Christ who was born and is the reason for the season.

Nine months before the birth, Mary was told she had been chosen to carry the Messiah. She would have to trust the Holy Spirit to place the child there and to take the chance of being rejected by the man who was to marry her. Joseph struggled with the idea at first, due to what his image would look like with others, but cared enough for Mary that he was going to dismiss her silently. Then God showed up with His Angelic messenger to fill Joseph in on the plan. And Joseph moved right into position.

Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation as well as the overwhelming feeling that both of them had?

Joseph was under the stress of the timing of having to register and all that it entails. On top of that his wife was about to give birth to their first child, the Messiah, the Son of God.

Joseph and Mary worked together and was thankful for what God gave them to work with, a simple stable, and welcomed the visitors in to see the new baby, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.

Then if that wasn’t overwhelming enough of just having a baby, there was danger from the king and of the land that was familiar to them. They were on a journey of the unknown, so much changes taking place, not knowing where they were going to lay their head, but not once does it say they complained and just trusted God.

In this season we need to be just as content with what God has given us and not allow the situations determine whether or not we will enjoy the excitement of the birthday of our savior, but make the best with what we are handed and decide that you are going to be full of gladness and tidings of great joy.

This is the time to show great love, compassion, and give the gift of ourselves to other and put our selfish desires far away from us. It is the time we can come together as family just as Joseph and Mary did. Look and see the beauty of what is really being given and being birth which is the gift of love.

No matter where you are, whether you are newlyweds or have been married 50 years, let this season be a season of love and reflection of what God gave us to be able to celebrate this season. Put all the differences aside and make the decision that this season is the beginning of the birth of new change and a closer bond with your spouse and family. Give the gift of love all year long.