In the mystery of Christmas, we find its majesty. The mystery of how God became flesh, why he chose to come, and how much he must love his people. Christmas is best pondered, not with logic, but with imagination.

The first Christmas was messy. Messy with crowded inns, traveling families, and barnyard animals sniffing at baby Jesus. Messy with questions: How did Mary become pregnant? What is Joseph supposed to tell his friends? Why is Herod hell-bent on killing babies? The first Christmas was messy. No midwife for Mary, no bed for Jesus, no explanation to give the scruffy shepherds.

Is this one messy for you? Christmas can be messy. But just as with Bethlehem, good came out of the mess. May good come out of yours.

Read more Christmas Stories: Heartwarming Classics of Angels, a Manger, and the Birth of Hope

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.