Whether we like it or not, the month of December can be busy. Really busy. Parties, shopping, Christmas programs, baking, extra cleaning, and decorating all add to our regular routines. And it can feel simply like chaos at times.
Each year I think I will plan just a bit better and things will go more smoothly. Yet, no matter how much we plan ahead, the messy still happens. Chaos still happens. People get sick. We forget things on our list. The cookies burn.
Our plans do not go according to our plan.
But that is okay!
I think about the birth of Jesus. That one holy night. There was a lot of chaos leading up to this event. Mary and Joseph were traveling and trying to find a place to stay. They ended up surrounded by animals, and Mary gave birth to the Son of God in a manger. In a manger where animals are fed. I would imagine that is not exactly what they had planned.
That is God coming into the midst of a lot of messiness.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, right then and there, as a helpless baby so small in a manger.
That is what He wants to do for you and me. He wants to come into our everyday chaos and messiness and love us. Oh, how He loves us. The greatest love we can know. He came to be the Gift for us all. He came here. God with us and for us and in us.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’ ” Matthew 1:23
Everything we do, everything, comes after the fact that He came here for us. He came for us on one beautiful holy night, and the world has never been the same.
So welcome Him right into the messiness that this season can bring. Everything doesn’t need to be planned and perfect. He is waiting.
Written with love from Jennifer, StudioJRU.
‘God with us’ art print.
Melanie Vanlaningham says
Jennifer,
I so understand the messy, the imperfect, the high expectations, and feeling of ‘not enough’. So right now, in my sleepless hours, I ‘welcome’ Him right into the messiness’ and am thanking Him for his tender mercies. I SO WANT this season to be about the gift of my Savior and not how pretty I can make things look or the wonderful gifts to buy. I want to give love, his love, in all that I do and say. Your words bring encouragement to this tired heart. Thank you!
Melanie
Jennifer Studio JRU says
So beautifully said, Melanie! To give His love in all we do… yes, yes, yes!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
I am so grateful that Jesus did not wait until we had our world neat and tidy to enter in, just like He doesn’t wait until we have our act totally together to knock on the door of our hearts. He IS the calm amidst the chaos and Christmastime is a blatant reminder that we need Him now more than ever. I pray, like Melanie, that this season would be about the gift of my Savior and not about all the external trappings. Thank you for the reminder this morning…I needed it!
Blessings,
Bev
Jennifer Studio JRU says
He is the calm. Yes, Bev, exactly. Thank you!
Cindy says
Being familiar with the Christmas story from childhood up sometimes makes it hard to “find something new”. But you have done this for me…Jesus was born just the way God planned, but possibly not the way Mary and Joseph planned! A good reminder for me today!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much, Cindy! I always remind myself… His way, His plans… in everything!
Sarita says
Love this…the part about messiness is perfect…thank you for giving us something to think about.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much, Sarita!
Deena says
Our Advent sermon was a long this line. God’s Glory came to us. My life is Topsy Tervy, but God has a plan. The Price of Peace is with me
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Yes, He always has a plan even when we can not see it at all! So grateful to know that. Thank you, Deena!
Jeanne Takenaka says
Thanks for the reminder that Jesus entered into a chaotic situation, into messiness. In the middle of my own messy seasons, I sometimes forget to invite Him into it, thinking it’s all on me to accomplish things. Wrong!
He’s very familiar with messy, and He’s comfortable in it. I’m learning to let go of expectations, and to ‘fess up when I’ve planned too much (and forgotten to take my boy to his literacy appointment!). And, I’ve begun making changes so that this season can be one of peace amid the chaos. 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
That sounds wonderful, Jeanne! Peace amid the chaos! With Him, that exact thing is possible. So grateful!
Lisa Brown says
Life is pretty messy today. Great post for a gal like me. Thanks so much. My emotions are messy, my mind is busy tired, my body is definitely frumpy, and my expectations are making me crazy. And the best part of all of this is that God loves me and is right here at this very moment with me. I appreciate your post and thank you for reminding me where my fuel for life comes from. Amazing Grace!!!!
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Isn’t it amazing how He loves us right in the messy moments we are in?! Praying for you today, Lisa.
Nancy Ruegg says
“Welcome him right into the messiness.” At any given moment, that’s about all we have to offer him–messiness! But there is plenty of documentation to indicate he doesn’t mind! Your example, Jennifer, of the Bethlehem birthplace for the Messiah is perfect. Couldn’t get much messier than that! So with confidence and a smile I say, “Jesus, would you please join me amidst the clutter? Help me see joy in the jumble and experience peace in the mayhem. Amen.”
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Oh, Nancy, what a beautifully worded comment. Makes me smile! Thanks so much for sharing!
Tyra says
As I read these words a song by Martha Muinzzi played in my head as she sang “Jesus, God With Us, more than enough, oh how I love your name”. I will go pull out that CD right now and meditate on your words and feel Him here with us.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
That song sounds beautiful, Tyra. Thanks so much for sharing… I am going to look that up!
Karen says
“oh how He loves us”!!! even in the middle of our messiness. Thanks for the reminder. Christmas blessings to you and yours.
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much, Karen! Merry Christmas!
Marty says
Such a beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
Thank you so much, Marty! Merry Christmas!
Beth Williams says
Jennifer,
This reminds me of a song “Leaving Heaven” by Matthew West on his Heart of Christmas CD. It talks about God leaving the splendor of Heaven & stepping into the broken messy of this world. My new favorite Christmas song.
I’m blessed that God is willing to step in our messes! This year has been full of messes for me beginning with moving my aging father into assisted living and his health issues (been to ER 4 times). It also included hubby almost losing job-keeping it but getting crappy shift in ER-then finally a good job closer to home. In the midst of all that my job changed so that I hate coming to work. I’ve also had friends with super messes also–losing their mother, another one dying of cancer, etc. This has been one bad year and I’m glad it’s almost over!
Praise God He was there to get all of us through these trials and tribulations!
Blessings 🙂
Jennifer Studio JRU says
What a year, Beth. A year that shows only by Him. Only by Him we can get through those times in our journey. Grateful He has been in the messes with you this year. Praying a happy year ahead for you and your loved ones.