Since the beginning of this month, we have observed many of the people who lived in the family line of Jesus. Some were more successful than others in trying to live God’s way. They wrestled with joy and pain, hatred and love just as we do. Each person forms a part of the story of God’s people.

Today we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate that God became a fellow traveler with us in a new way. Just as Mary placed the infant Jesus in a manger, God placed himself into our difficult, messy, and often tiring journey in this world. John says it this way: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

At Christmas, the God of love gave his only Son (John 3:16) to redeem us and to be with us at all times and in all places. He wants to join us on our way, listen to our joys and sorrows, prevent us from walking in meaningless circles, and direct us to his home of peace and joy.

Dear brothers and sisters, this is the great mystery of Christmas: Almighty God became a helpless infant. Because of the Word—Jesus in the flesh—we are not alone on our journey. We can always trust that he is walking with us. No wonder we sing today, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come”!