An Encounter That Changes Everything
Rediscovering the True Gift of Christmas
At about this time last year I reached out to a Christian media company to purchase several bible study type programs to be used in the prison ministry I serve here in Minnesota. I could have bought these online. But I had questions and wanted to speak to someone. I ended up on the phone with a sweet, older woman named “Marie”.
She helped me and when the order details were all finalized, but before hanging up, I asked if there was anything I could pray for? After a pause, she became very emotional. Holding back tears, Marie told me she was dreading Christmas this year. Her husband of more than 55 years had passed away just months before. Marie missed him terribly, and his absence at Christmas this year made the coming holidays seem unbearable. Worse, although Marie has kids and grandkids, due to distance, she expected to be alone.
After praying for Marie and talking to her a bit longer I left that call feeling empty, and yet she wouldn’t be totally alone. I trusted Jesus would be with her. I also realized that Marie’s husband had lived out his call from God as a husband, father and elder of his family. Men, we are so important to the lives of those whom God has put before us.
So, as men, as the leaders of our families, churches, and communities, how can we do our part to ensure this Christmas is one that is set apart? What steps will reflect God’s call for us?
Every year, the world becomes noisier as Christmas approaches. Lights grow brighter, the number of Amazon drivers rival the cab count in downtown Chicago, and men look to “Save big” at Home Depot before the shelves are bare.
What was meant to be a season of holy expectation and quiet wonder has become a whirlwind of materialism. Yet amid the frenzy, we are invited to pause, to worship, breathe, and to remember that Christmas is not a celebration of giving and getting stuff. But rather Christmas is about Who has been given to us.
At its core, Christmas is the celebration of the Incarnation: God entering human history, taking on bones and flesh and becoming one of us in all things but sin. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). This single truth changed everything and it still does. Although so many men are lonely today, this means we are not alone. God does not stand distant from our struggles or our hopes. I reminded Marie of this and she gratefully agreed.
For those who still feel God seems distant, I share this: In my life, seeking a true encounter with Christ once seemed ridiculous and impossible. But then, at times, God gave me a glimpse of His presence and power when I diligently sought it. Like many of us, I followed the guidance of the of the church and God did the rest; he revealed himself. The encounters are indescribable: joy, peace, and humility flow. Still, encountering Jesus at Christmastime requires intentionality. The world will gladly distract us with the glitter of consumerism.
It will tell us that our worth is found in how much we spend, how busy we are, or how perfectly we light our houses and yards. We need to remember, none of these can compare to an encounter with Christ. See Like 2:15, the shepherds didn’t bring lavish gifts; no top-end compressor from Home Depot. No digital gaming device from Target. They came with humble, open hearts and a willingness to go where the angel directed. “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened”. Their encounter with Christ began simply with desire and attentiveness.
Moreover, the true grace in Christmas is found in simplicity. The Holy Family’s poverty was not a failure, it was a sign. Christ chose humility. He chose a manger, not a palace; shepherds, not dignitaries. This tells us that God is most easily encountered not in excess, but in quietness, gratitude, and love.
In a world that cheapens Christmas into a shopping season, we men are called to reclaim its sacredness. How? We do this by remembering that the greatest gift has already been given: Emmanuel—God with us! Pray for greater longing. Pray for God to show you how to lead. Go to adoration and practice praising God! Take in all the sacraments. I trust when we act in faith God will respond, and the encounter will blow you away. When we choose to encounter Christ, we allow the true meaning of Christmas to shine forth, offering hope to a world desperately in need of it.
Men, I pray you all encounter Jesus and experience a happy, holy Christmas!
A Simple Gift for a Deeper Prayer Life
This Christmas, give a gift that goes beyond the season - a gift that transforms prayer from duty to dialogue, from monologue into relationship. Hearing God’s Voice is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone longing to deepen their conversation with God.
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