It’s Christmas time, and we all have expectations this season. Some are material—what gifts are we going to receive? What experiences are we going to have? Some are relational—will we finally get engaged? Will the grandbabies be visiting?  

Expectations are fine as long as we manage them instead of letting them manage us. If we’re not careful, unmet expectations can turn us into people we don’t want to be. Who do you want to be during the holidays?

In this episode, two women–Elizabeth and Mary–are going to give us an incredible, real-life, non-sugar-coated example of who we can be this holiday season. We find them in Luke chapter 1, right before the first Christmas. At their meeting, we see their mutual joy in being in each other’s presence because of God’s work in their lives. These women show us it’s a gift to be in community without jealousy, to bless other people with our words and welcome them into our hearts. 

When we remember Christmas isn’t about us, we find enduring joy. There’s nothing better than going into this season with Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives. It exceeds any and all of our expectations.

If you’d like to go deeper in the Word, Kelly has a brand new Bible study on the book of Ruth! You can even download the first week for free. Check out Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy at www.lifeway.com/Ruth

Cultivate is brought to you in part by the Dwell Bible App. Save 30% at dwellapp.io/Cultivate.

Learn more about Hope for the Heart’s upcoming Mental Health and the Church event here.