Christmas Eve Then and Now

Christmas Eve has always held a special place in my heart. For as long as I can remember, it was spent at my grandmother’s house—rooms full of family, laughter spilling from every corner, food everywhere, and that unmistakable feeling of home. From my earliest memories until we lost her in January of 2022, that was our Christmas Eve tradition.

When I was a child, we gathered in the evening for dinner and gifts. As I got older and our family grew, Christmas Eve shifted to lunchtime—mostly out of necessity. At one point, we were juggling three different family gatherings between my side of the family and my husband’s. It was festive and fun. But, whew! We were running in circles back then, especially when our daughter was young.

Life looks a little different now. These days, we host most of the family gatherings here at our home, and I intentionally spread them out. I’ve learned that packing everything into one day doesn’t leave much room to breathe or to truly be present.

This Christmas Eve will be a quiet one.

Our daughter was home for Thanksgiving and has to work on Christmas. We’ve already hosted two Christmas get-togethers here, and tonight there’s just one small family gathering at a church right down the road. Tomorrow, we’ll gather again at my mom’s house to close out the celebrations. And because of that, we get to slow down.

To sit in the stillness. To take in the glow of the Christmas tree lights. To feel the warmth of the fireplace. To pause. I cherish the gatherings, the food, the laughter, and the joy they bring. They are gifts. But tonight, I’m reminded that before the hustle and bustle of modern-day Christmas, before the schedules and shopping and rushing around…

There was a baby in a manger.

A Savior who left behind royalty and riches to come into a broken world—out of love. Not with fanfare. Not with noise. But quietly. Humbly. Intentionally.

And maybe that’s the lesson Christmas Eve offers us every year if we’re willing to listen. Sometimes the most meaningful moments aren’t found in doing more—but in slowing down enough to remember why we’re celebrating in the first place.

Wishing you a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas Eve as you pause and reflect on the greatest gift of all.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

December 24, 2025 Morning Brew

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