How Jesus Still Shows Up at Christmas

Even when Jesus is missed, He’s still present.

This year’s Christmas post might sound a bit different, because this year has been really different. It started off great on both the family and ministry fronts. Then everything shifted in the spring when Nicole was diagnosed with cancer. That reality quickly wove itself into every part of life. And thanks to an incredible leadership team at Mountainview Church (especially our pastoral team) I was able to make family, and specifically Nicole, my first priority over the past nine months.

Rather than unpacking the entire journey, I’ll fast-forward to the past couple of weeks, focusing on the Person who gave us strength throughout this year.

We started this Christmas season in Vancouver.

Nicole was scheduled for nine radiation treatments over eleven days. Huge thanks to my parents, who flew up to care for the boys while we took this last major step in her cancer journey. After a few days, with minimal side effects, Nicole was feeling well, so we decided to embrace Christmas in the big city!

One afternoon, we visited the Vancouver Christmas Market. We walked past booth after booth filled with wonderful Christmas-themed gifts, treats, and decorations. And yet, half way through, I realized that none of them had anything to do with Christ. The closest connection to the Christmas story was the occasional angel or star, but there was no sign of Jesus anywhere.

That was, until we got to one of the last booths, with authentic German decorations, many of them hand-crafted and shipped from Europe. And sure enough, they had several Christ-themed decorations, and even a couple of complete nativity sets. It was so different from the other booths that I commented to the owner, “This is the only place in this Christmas Market where I’ve actually seen gifts associated with Jesus.” The woman replied, “Well, the truth is we’re all here to make money. We’re here to sell, and Jesus doesn’t sell anymore.”

Her response shocked me in a couple of ways; first, at how blunt it was (she did have a German accent), but secondly, how true it was. These sellers had rented limited space to sell their work during the few weeks leading up to Christmas. Many people were buying gifts for others, and in our modern Western society, people aren’t gifting anything to do with Jesus. Culturally, a gift associated with Jesus is considered inappropriate, offensive, or awkward.

Fast-forward a few days.

We had the opportunity to watch Handel’s Messiah with a full orchestra, choir, and four solo vocalists. (Watch video preview here.)

The performance was held in a massive historic theatre that could seat over 2,000 people, and it was completely packed. We had the cheap seats up in the balcony, while others likely spent hundreds of dollars to sit on the main floor. As I looked around, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Does everyone know this production is about Jesus?” Do they realize that the entire production taken straight from the Bible?

For Nicole and I, there were moments when we were moved to tears, fully aware of the depth and weight of the words being sung. If you had told me ahead of time that I’d enjoy two hours of a classical choir and orchestra, I wouldn’t have believed you. And yet, I found myself hanging on every line; not because of the music, but because of the message. It was all about Jesus.

The most shocking moment was during the Hallelujah Chorus, when the entire audience immediately stood, as if it was rehearsed. The choir triumphantly proclaimed praises to our Lord and King. As a Christian, standing in awe and reverence made sense, but it became evident that for many, this was based in tradition than worship. In the middle of the chorus, I received a clear sign of our mixed audience. One man held his hands out in worship, as a man across the isle from him nudged his wife, pointed, and with a mocking expression, mouthed the words “What is he doing?” In a way, this was a small mirroring of the criminals on either side of Jesus at the cross: one man submits as the other mocks.

At the end of the production, a standing ovation.

Everyone was on their feet. I was thankful for the experience, but as I looked around, I felt a bit sad. There was a heaviness that so many were moved by the quality of the performance but missed the substance of the content. They were impressed by how Handel wove the work together, not realizing that the words they just heard were Scripture. How many of these people came for the composer, but missed the King?

What a difference between the market and the theatre. At the market, Jesus-themed trinkets and ornaments didn’t sell. But here, in this beautiful theatre, a Jesus-centred production sold out. Even now, I’m still pondering that contrast, without clear reasons or tidy conclusions. But I am thankful. I’m thankful for that one last booth still displaying hand-crafted nativity sets. No one canceled her booth. And I’m thankful that Handel’s Messiah was proclaimed over thousands of people. No one picketed the show. Maybe I don’t need to sort out the why or the how. Maybe it’s enough, this Christmas, to be thankful that Jesus is still being proclaimed.

Whether or not Jesus “sells” in our culture, He still shows up every Christmas. He may not be pushed to the centre, yet He remains the centre. He may not always be recognized, but He is still faithfully proclaimed. Sometimes through a small booth at the end of a market. Sometimes through a choir in a packed theatre. And sometimes, quietly, in the hearts of those who belong to Him and are willing to tell others about Him. For Nicole and I, we wouldn’t have made it through this year without Him.

Maybe you know about Jesus, but don’t know Him personally.

This Christmas, I would invite you to take another look, passed the tradition or performance. Think deeply about who He was and is: the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.

If you’re local to Whitehorse, please feel free to join one of our Christmas Eve gatherings at 4:00, 5:30 or 7:00 PM on December 24th. And if you live elsewhere, please join us online at ChristmasInWhitehorse.com. Our prayer is that Jesus would be clearly proclaimed and warmly received.

As a final sign-off, I want to say thank you to so many reading this post. Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and the countless ways you’ve shown love and care to Nicole and our boys throughout this journey. From meals and messages, gifts and encouragement, we have felt so deeply supported and carried by so many of you. We are so, so, grateful.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this season remind us once again that Jesus is still God’s greatest gift; faithfully given, faithfully proclaimed, and faithfully present with us each and every day. Amen.

Join the Conversation; Answer This Question

• Where have you noticed Jesus quietly showing up this Christmas; even in unexpected or overlooked places?