December 22, 2025

I had the perfect Christmas for years–in my mind, that is. As I prepared for this wonderful time when children and grandchildren would arrive, I imagined with pleasure just how it would be. The decorations would be amazing, the food delicious (everything being ready at the appropriate time–hot and tasty) perfect gifts, wrapped and ready, everyone having a fantastic time with lots of love flowing all around at all times. Everything was going to be perfect!

It never worked out quite that way.

“Family Stories for God’s Glory” contains two Christmas stories of how my imperfect Christmases turned into perfect ones. The first thing I needed to do to have a perfect Christmas was to not expect it to be perfect. I needed to realize that as an unrealistic goal. We don’t live in a perfect world, and we are not perfect people. The very first Christmas was the only perfect one. Christ came as a perfect Baby who would grow up to die for us so that someday we can live with Him forever in a perfect world.

The next thing I needed to recognize was that God is in control and I am not. When I quit striving and trying to make things happen on my own, He will gladly take over as I relinquish my plans to His. His idea for a two-toned Christmas tree turned out to be much more unique than what I had planned!

¹Thirdly, I needed to relax and believe that it’s quite okay if Christmas isn’t perfect or exactly the way I planned. If God is glorified, if we experience Immanuel (God with us), if hearts are touched with His amazing love, Christmas will be fantastic!

Relax and enjoy a fantastic Christmas,

God Bless you and yours,

Charlotte

Link:godinlifesmoments.com

“Family Stories for God’s Glory” is sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Blessings Book Store, Harrisonburg, Va. Books may also be ordered directly from: chburkholder12@gmail.com

Comments are welcome!