In the world of sports, the word “gritty” is often used. For example, a team that fights and claws and scratches for the whole game might be said to have given a “gritty performance.” The word gritty isn’t usually used for things like the ballet or an orchestra. These are scripted and relatively predictable performances whereas a sports performance is unpredictable and athletes face things they can’t control. As we think about Christmas and the birth of Jesus, it may be tempting to think of it like a ballet or a gentle orchestral performance of a sacred piece of music. However, the entrance of Jesus the Christ was more like a football game played in inclement weather where the circumstances were not preferable or expected. God entered this world in a war-torn land where the locals were under occupation and children were being murdered. His mother gave birth to Him away from home in a cave where animals would have been kept because the occupying government was trying to keep tabs on the people. It was far less than ideal, but an undeterred Jesus entered this world. It was gritty. It was dirty. It was messy. 

And this reminds us that Jesus enters into and is present with us in the messiness of life. He does not stand on the sideline asking us to come over to Him but He is in the game with us … in the trenches with us.

Feeling a bit (or, a lot) lonely this Christmas? He is with you. Praying for peace in the world (or, at least, your world)? He is with you. Wishing that you could see your kids or your parents this Christmas? He is with you. Dealing with the loss or imminent loss of someone you love? He is with you. Hoping you’ll be able to scratch together a little bit of money to buy a gift for someone you love? He is with you. He is not on the other side of these harsh, gritty realities of life, but with you in them.

So, have yourself a gritty little Christmas, will you? You don’t have to invite Jesus (God in the flesh) to be with you. He’s already present in the messiness. Simply turn your gaze and see … and know the peace that is beyond understanding.