Christmas is a season of contrasts. On one hand, it’s an invitation to awe and wonder—the kind of amazement that comes from marveling at God’s works and His love for us. On the other hand, it can leave many of us saying, “Ahh…”—a sigh born of exhaustion, being overwhelmed, or even deep questioning. We may find ourselves wondering: Where is God when life is this hard? Why does He feel so far away?
Awe and Wonder: Seeing God’s Glory
Awe happens when we recognize the greatness of God. It’s what the shepherds experienced on that first Christmas night when the sky lit up with angels declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!” Wonder follows when we allow our curiosity and admiration to focus on His works—His miracles in creation, His intricate design in our lives, and most profoundly, the gift of His Son.
Awe and wonder draw us closer to God. They remind us to pause, reflect, and see Him at work, even in the simplest moments:
The vastness of the stars points to His infinite power.
The complexity of the human body is a testimony to His creativity.
The joy of relationships is a reflection of His love.
But what if Awe and Wonder feel more like Ahh and Wondering?
For many, Christmas brings not awe but weariness. You might feel the weight of grief, the sting of unmet expectations, or the frustration of unanswered prayers. Instead of gazing in wonder, you sigh, “Ahh, this is hard.”
You may find yourself wondering: Where is God in all of this?
This tension isn’t new. The story of Christmas is one of both glory and struggle. Mary and Joseph faced exhaustion and uncertainty as they traveled to Bethlehem. The Savior of the world was born in a manger, not a palace. Yet in those humble, messy circumstances, God was profoundly present.
The challenge is to see Him, even in the mess.
Moving From Wondering to Wonder
If you find yourself wondering this Christmas, take heart. God invites you to bring your questions, your struggles, and your sighs to Him. The journey from “Ahh” to awe often starts with a shift in perspective.
Here are some ways to rediscover Awe and Wonder, even in life’s challenges:
Pause and Reflect: Slow down long enough to notice what’s good, beautiful, or miraculous around you. Look for God’s fingerprints in your day.
Ask for His Presence: In your wondering, pray for God to reveal Himself. He may not remove the struggle, but He will meet you in it.
Celebrate the Small Miracles: Warm laughter, shared meals, a peaceful moment—these are glimpses of God’s grace. Don’t miss them.
Helping Others Find Awe and Wonder
Christmas is also an opportunity to help those stuck in “Ahh” moments of pain or wondering. Who in your life feels weighed down by grief, fear, or loneliness this season? How can you reflect God’s love to them?
Listen Well: Sometimes, the greatest gift is your presence and a willingness to hear someone’s heart.
Offer Practical Help: A kind gesture or thoughtful act can ease someone’s burden and remind them they’re not alone.
Point to God’s Faithfulness: Share stories of hope and encourage them to look for God’s presence, even in small ways.
A Christmas Story of Awe, Wonder, and Connection
The soft glow of Christmas lights filled the room as Rachel sat at her kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee. It was early December, and her to-do list was already spiraling out of control. Decorations, gift shopping, meal planning—there was so much to do. But something tugged at her heart, a quiet nudge to slow down.
Rachel reached for her Bible, flipping to Psalm 8: “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place…” She paused, thinking about the God who crafted the universe and still cared about her daily struggles. It filled her with a sense of awe she hadn’t felt in a long time.
That morning, Rachel decided to take 15 minutes to reflect and pray. As she sat in the stillness, a name came to mind: Janice.
Janice was her neighbor, a widow who had lost her husband earlier that year. They’d occasionally exchanged small talk, but Rachel had never really made the time to connect. Now, she felt a clear prompting to reach out.
Showing Up
That afternoon, Rachel walked across the street with a tin of Christmas cookies. As Janice opened the door, Rachel smiled and said, “I was thinking about you today and wanted to stop by. How are you doing?”
At first, Janice hesitated, but then her eyes softened. “It’s been hard,” she admitted. “The holidays feel so empty without Tom.”
Rachel listened as Janice opened up about her grief. She didn’t try to fix anything or fill the silence with platitudes. Instead, she leaned in, asking gentle questions like, “What’s been the hardest part?” and “What are some of your favorite memories with Tom?”
Janice’s stories painted a picture of a love-filled marriage, their shared Christmas traditions, and the aching void left behind. By the end of their conversation, tears were streaming down Janice’s face—but so was a small smile.
“You have no idea how much this means to me,” Janice said. “It’s been so lonely, and I wasn’t sure anyone noticed.”
Sharing Hope
Before leaving, Rachel asked, “Would it be okay if I prayed with you?” Janice nodded, and Rachel prayed for peace, comfort, and a renewed sense of wonder in Janice’s life.
As she got up to leave, Rachel pointed to the glowing Christmas tree in Janice’s living room. “You know, every time I see Christmas lights, I think about the light of Christ—how He came to brighten in our darkest places. It reminds me that even when things feel heavy, He and all of His majesty and miracles are still with us.”
Janice’s eyes lit up as she looked at the tree. “I hadn’t thought of it that way; thank you, Rachel.” Rachel could instantly see in Janice’s eyes how ahh, and wondering turned into Awe and Wonder!
The Healing Connection
That night, as Rachel reflected on her day, she felt grateful—not just for the chance to connect with Janice but for the awe and wonder that had been reignited in her heart.
The following week, Janice joined Rachel for coffee and met a few of her friends at church. Slowly, she began to step out of her loneliness, finding comfort and hope in the community Rachel had gently introduced her to.
The Challenge
This Christmas, ask yourself: Am I in awe and wonder? Or am I in “Ahh” and wondering?
If you’re sighing through the season, don’t stay there. Bring your questions to God and ask Him to show you His glory. Take time to notice His works, His presence, and His love. And if you’re already filled with awe, share that gift with others who need it most.
Christmas is the celebration of Emmanuel—God with us. Whether you’re in awe or wondering, He is near. That truth alone is enough to leave us in wonder once more.