When Christmas Isn’t Perfect: Finding Contentment in Christ
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
— Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
A Christ-Centered Reflection on Christmas Expectations
In the Christmas season, love seems to be all around us. Hallmark movies remind us how perfect life can be—with visions of small-town Christmases, tree lightings, gingerbread house contests, and love rekindled. But the reality is that few of us experience such a Christmas.
The Pressure of a Perfect Christmas
More often, the season brings chaos, tears, and a never-ending to-do list. Gift buying and budget considerations leave us feeling as though we were not enough. Party invitations pile up, and we stress over hairstyles, makeup, nails—and not to mention the shoes. We want to be seen as the perfect family, doing all the perfect things, so we post the perfect picture on social media, waiting for the hearts and thumbs-up.
We hide the burnt cookies. We mask the loneliness. And we push back the tears for as long as possible.
When Christmas Reveals the Heart
It was after I spoke hurtful words that I began to feel the weight of the pain I caused—and the reactions that followed. That was when reflection began. Looking in the mirror was hard, but it was necessary.
Where was my perfect Christmas? It did not exist. I bought too much. I didn’t buy enough. I bought the wrong thing. I gave it at the wrong time. Would I let the opinions of others define my Christmas?
Finding True Contentment in Christ at Christmas
I was reminded of Christmases past—times when I looked to others to make my Christmas perfect, only to realize again that Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy me. In this fresh pain, I turned back to Him, asking Jesus to heal my wounds as well as the wounds I caused, and to give me a new contentment for Christmas.
A contentment in my identity.
A contentment in the calling He has placed on my life.
A contentment in my need for grace.
A contentment in the need for grace in others.
A contentment in the intentions of others, even when they fall short of my expectations.
And a contentment in my own intentions, even when I fall short.
Lord, let my focus be on You this Christmas—not on what I have or do not have. Not on what others give or do not give. Not on what I can or cannot give. Let me pause in remembrance of a holy night and know what You would have me know this night.
Let me hear Your voice—the voice that speaks truth. Let Your voice drown out the voice of the enemy that says I am not enough. Let Your voice drown out the voices of others when they fail to align with Your heart.
Teach me, O Lord, to truly know You, love You, and share that precious, innocent, and unconditional love.
If you are feeling overwhelmed this Christmas season, may this reflection remind you that true peace and contentment are found not in perfection, but in Christ alone. Lord, I look to You for my contentment and fulfillment during this Christmas season.