The Christmas story is filled with breathtaking moments that remind us of God’s extraordinary power and love. A star guiding wise men across the desert. Angels singing in the skies. A virgin giving birth to the Savior of the world. These moments dazzle us with their wonder, but they can also feel distant from our everyday lives. I mean, when was the last time a bunch of wise kings dropped off some gold on your front steps?
How do these miraculous events relate to the steady rhythms of work, errands, and family responsibilities? The truth is, the same God who orchestrated the extraordinary events of Jesus’s birth is at work in the everyday details of our lives. This Christmas season let’s uncover how the awe of the Nativity can inspire us to see God’s hand in our daily moments.
The God of the Extraordinary and the Ordinary
When we think about the Christmas story, it’s tempting to focus only on the spectacular elements: the angels, the star, and the virgin birth. But consider how God used ordinary people and settings to carry out His divine plan. Mary was a young girl in a small village. Joseph was a carpenter with a humble trade. Jesus was born in a manger—an ordinary feeding trough.
The wonder of Christmas lies not just in the miraculous but in God’s choice to work through the everyday. This same pattern applies to us. Your seemingly ordinary routines—making breakfast, driving to work, folding laundry—are opportunities for God to show His presence and faithfulness. Will you notice them? Will you pause long enough in your day to notice God in a child’s eyes, his provision in a home cooked meal? God is at work but are we watching. The only reason the Magi knew to look for Jesus because they were watching for signs.
Application: This week, as you go about your daily tasks, pause to thank God for His presence in those moments. Ask Him to help you see His work in the ordinary.
Learning from Mary: Embracing the Unexpected
One of the most awe-inspiring parts of the Christmas story is Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement. Faced with the unimaginable—becoming the mother of the Messiah—Mary didn’t shy away in fear. Instead, she responded with faith: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).
Mary’s willingness to trust God in the face of the unknown challenges us to embrace wonder in our own lives. How often do we miss out on awe because we’re too focused on controlling our circumstances? Like Mary, we’re called to trust that God is weaving something beautiful even when life feels uncertain.
Application: Write down one area of your life where you feel unsure or overwhelmed. Pray for the faith to trust God’s plan, even if you don’t see the full picture yet.
Recognizing God’s Wonders Around Us
Just as the wise men followed a star to find Jesus, we’re invited to follow the signs of God’s presence in our lives. Too often, we overlook the miraculous because we’ve grown accustomed to it. The sunrise that paints the sky each morning. The laughter of a child. The peace of a quiet moment in prayer.
These are all glimpses of God’s wonder, inviting us to pause and marvel. By training our eyes to see the beauty around us, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and awe.
Application: Each day this week, take five minutes to reflect on one thing that amazed you—big or small. Write it down as a reminder of God’s active presence in your life.
A Call to Wonder in Every Season
Christmas reminds us of God’s ability to do the impossible. The same God who orchestrated the virgin birth, guided the wise men, and sent angels to proclaim good news is still at work in your life. And just as Mary said “yes” to her divine calling, you’re invited to embrace the wonder of God’s work in your everyday moments.
Let this Christmas season be a starting point for a new perspective. Don’t wait for the extraordinary to inspire you. Instead, find joy in the ordinary—because that’s where God’s fingerprints often shine the brightest.
This week, take intentional steps to rediscover wonder. Slow down, notice the beauty around you, and thank God for His work in your life. As you reflect on the Christmas story, let it remind you that the same God who sent His Son into the world is with you in every season.
By embracing awe in the small and ordinary, we honor the One who is always at work—turning the mundane into the miraculous.
By Brandon Gilliam
