Keeping it Little: How do you have a merry little Christmas?

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

—Matthew 1:23

I’ve been creating themed Christmas cards with my family for 18 years now. It’s one of my holiday traditions. For my most recent cards, I’ve included my grandchildren. But now that they are spread across the country, with some in Pennsylvania and others in Texas, getting a photo with all of them in it at the same time is challenging. Creating a photo collage seems to be the best option. But now that the number of my grandchildren is growing, with one added to the total in March with the birth of Sebastian, finding a collage template with photo spots to match that number is also challenging. I was delighted when I eventually found one suitable for my card and quickly went to work placing my photos on the palette. As I surveyed my work, I noticed a little word in the middle of the pre-printed Merry Christmas greeting. Little. Yes, that’s it. “Merry Little Christmas.” I smiled as it seemed to perfectly match my card with all my littles. But it also gave me pause. How do we have a merry little Christmas?

My Christmas card photos depict preparing for the big day. Cristian and Nicky in one photo and Layla in another are decorating the tree. Eli, Javier, and Cole are putting the finishing touches on gingerbread houses, while I’m adding a bow to a wreath. Zion and Sebastian are discovering ornaments, and Addison is surveying the nativity.

This is having a merry little Christmas. Celebrating Christmas like a child. With a child. Finding joy in little things. Snow globes, sugary candies, and shiny red bulbs. Christmas trees and holly wreaths. It’s also little acts of kindness—helping a friend, sending an encouraging text, and giving a little extra. It’s sharing our joy with others. Telling and retelling that old, old story from long ago. The birth of a King. Keeping Jesus in our traditions and celebrations.

This time of year it’s easy to get so caught up in all the hustle-bustle of preparing for the birthday party that we may have no room for the guest of honor. Jesus came to be God on Earth, Emmanuel, which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Let us slow down a little, so we can be with Him.

This holiday season may you find merriment in all the little things. But more importantly, may you make a little time to pause, survey the nativity, and put the finishing touches on a home for Him, right within your heart.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to Earth to be my Savior, my Lord, and King. You are God with us. With me. This Christmas I choose to celebrate Your birth by spending time with You. Amen.