GratefulSample

Have you ever seen a Christmas movie where things felt too perfect? Unlike the carefully decorated family cabin in the Hallmark movie you watched, Christmas isn't always perfect. And, if we're really honest with ourselves, there are times when Christmas can feel like a bit of a disappointment.

In today's reading, we're reminded of what we can do when things don't go according to plan. Jesus was just born to Mary and Joseph when they found out they needed to flee their city. Instead of celebrating the birth of their son, they found themselves running away just to find safety, but they worked hard to remember who God is and what God had promised them.

Together, Mary and Joseph show us how we can trust God and be thankful our stories aren't over just yet. God is still working to take care of us, even if our lives don't look the way we'd expect. Mary and Joseph also chose to admit they weren't okay, and they fought the temptation to put on a fake smile just to make others feel better. When life is hard, it's okay for us to sit in that difficulty and look to God for help and guidance. We can be thankful for how God keeps us safe and keeps working for us, even when things feel so dark and heavy. We can remember the hope Jesus brings to us all and be thankful even when it's not easy.