I am the youngest of six children in my family and was blessed with parents who tried their best to raise each of us in the way of the Lord so that we would not depart from Him as we grew older. Although my parents were not perfect—as none of us are—they modeled love, grace, and mercy so well that I am still surprised to this day when I look back and reflect on my time at home with them.

Christmas at home was always a wonderful time because it meant we were all together. My oldest brother is fourteen years older than I am, so he left home just as I was really beginning to do things on my own. Having him home was a present in itself, along with all the other family members. The house was never as noisy and joyous as when all the siblings were home for Christmas. I miss that.

Christmas With Jonathan Toomey

We grew up reading stories during the Advent season as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about. One of those children’s stories was The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, which was later made into a movie—though I don’t recommend the movie as much as the book. It is a wonderful story for young children or grandchildren if you need something meaningful to read during the season.

The story follows Jonathan Toomey, a master woodcarver who lost his wife and child and blames himself for their deaths. Grief leads him to isolate himself and avoid Christmas altogether. Around the holiday season, he is commissioned by a widow and her young son, Thomas, to carve a nativity set to replace one they had lost. Thomas insists that the figures be carved perfectly, reflecting God’s love coming down to bless the earth. Through the process of carving the nativity, Toomey is confronted with his own pain and grief, and ultimately he becomes filled with joy and hope—pointing to the miracle of Christ’s birth and His story of love and redemption on the cross.

Why Christmas Still Matters

I point this out not to stand on a soapbox, but because Christmas can be a difficult time for some of us. It is for me now. My once united family—of whom I have wonderful memories and deep love—is fractured today by sin, brokenness, and shame. I fear I may never again experience a Christmas when we are all together. And yet, even in that feeling, I have a more lasting hope. I hope in the truth of Christ’s redemptive love and His work on the cross. The Christmas story points to that truth and reminds us that God keeps His promises.

No matter where you find yourself today, Christmas is not celebrated based on your circumstances—whether you are rich or poor, sick or healthy, alone or surrounded by loved ones. Christmas is celebrated in our hearts as we remember the miracle of our Lord’s birth and the life He gave for us.

“The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth—the very thing the whole story has been about.”
—C.S. Lewis