No Christmas is Perfect and That’s Okay
It’s easy to view the Christmas story through rose-colored glasses: Joseph and Mary and Jesus, all cozy in the manger, surrounded by an adoring crowd. Wise men and shepherds, angels and a star.
It’s the stuff of Hollywood!
These picturesque scenes are emblazoned on Christmas cards the world over.
But the truth is no Christmas is perfect. Not even the original one.
And that’s okay.
The real Christmas story is filled with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Mary was a young teenage girl expecting a child.
Joseph, her intended, wasn’t the biological father.
He had to decide whether or not to turn Mary and her baby away, or to accept the mother as his wife, and the child as his own.
All of this is the backdrop of Jesus’ birth into the world.
That’s enough to put anyone in therapy!
Yet, despite all the obstacles they faced—from Mary’s labor beginning while in Bethlehem to finding no room at even the most humble inn—Mary and Joseph’s story demonstrates that imperfection is part of life.
In fact, it’s the imperfections that make things so memorable.
If Mary and Joseph had found the light on at a Motel Six, staffed by a smiling innkeeper who offered them warm cookies and bottled water, we might not love or remember the story as much.
Today I want to share four steps to embracing imperfection during the holidays.
These four steps can reduce stress, bring you closer to God, and make your Christmas celebrations even more meaningful.
Step 1: Embrace the Imperfection
The first step to embracing imperfection is recognizing that no Christmas is perfect.
Not the first Christmas.
And not the Christmas at your church or in your community this year.
Yes, it’s tempting to aim for a “perfect” Christmas experience for your church members.
But remember that perfection will generally be out of reach.
Instead, let your church focus on embracing imperfection by celebrating what makes each of your people unique.
This means accepting messiness and chaos.
Strangely enough, the more you accept the imperfect, the more you’ll be able to experience joy and peace as well.
I am not saying go out of your way to create mess or chaos.
Just don’t resist it if it comes.
Instead, watch for the good that can come from it.
God can do more with us when we’re willing to see disruptions as blessings rather than as burdens.
Step 2: Stay Adaptable
The more adaptable and fluid you are, the more God can work through your church and community.
Consider Mary and Joseph’s story.
Can you imagine being pregnant on the road and trying to find someplace that has room, let alone someplace that can facilitate the birth of a child?
Yet, despite having very few resources, these two were able to find a safe place for Mary to give birth.
Now think about the great things that have happened in your church in the last 10 years. Or even the last 2 years.
Most of these things were birthed by staying adaptable so you could realize your mission.
Think about how churches went from no online presence to full-on TV production in a matter of weeks.
Adaptability is God’s wheelhouse!
Jesus entering the world did not require massive funding, special line items in the budget, stage and light equipment, or a strategically placed physical campus.
If that’s the case for the Savior of the world, imagine what God can create when you stay adaptable…even on a shoestring budget.
Step 3: Surrender and Trust
The story of Mary and Joseph is also a reminder to surrender ourselves to God.
Even when it made no sense to either of them, both Mary and Joseph operated with surrender and trust.
Mary said yes to the angel’s message that announced Jesus’ conception.
Joseph said yes to Mary and her baby.
Both of them said yes to the trip to Bethlehem, and yes to the manger.
Even when times were uncertain, they trusted God’s leading.
The payoff is that this journey of trusting yesses led them to witness some of the most miraculous events in history.
In the same way, surrendering your expectations and plans in order to say yes to God can bring about miracles.
Even if surrender doesn’t make sense to you initially.
In fact, this idea of surrender has always been at the core of my ministry and work.
I have longed for people to embrace the dreams that God has for them.
This is why I wrote Dream Like Jesus.
I believe God has given us all extraordinary dreams, but too often, we are so caught up in our expectations that we forget to surrender it all to God and simply follow.
I believe that by surrendering and trust we too can experience miracles that bring meaning and joy to our lives.
This Christmas season, let us remember the excellent example set by Mary and Joseph—and embrace imperfection as part of life.
Step 4: Remember God’s Grace and Mercy
Finally, remember that God’s grace and mercy is what strengthens us to endure difficult times.
Christmas is a reminder of this—that no matter the obstacles we face, God is always with us, and God will guide us through.
Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the expectations of perfection this holiday season, remember that imperfection does not mean giving up—it means surrendering and trusting God.
Invite God into your holiday celebration and allow love to fill your heart with peace and joy.
By doing so, your church can foster an environment where differences are celebrated, imperfection brings blessing, adaptability is faster, and surrender makes way for miracles.
You are creating a welcoming place for once-a-year guests as well as year-round worshipers to find peace in a hectic world.
May your Christmas be filled with the peace of imperfection.
To discover more about how to co-create miracles with God, join the many leaders who are Creating a Culture of Renewal®.
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