Embracing Chaos: A Reminder for Ministry Leaders This Christmas

As we delve deeper into our Unwrapped Christmas series on the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, we acknowledge a less-discussed aspect of the holiday season - the chaos. During this time, ministry leaders can particularly find themselves in the midst of whirlwinds, making the celebration feel far from peaceful.

The True Nature of the First Christmas

Often, we forget that the birth of Christ, the very first Christmas, was not a serene, picture-perfect scene. Bethlehem was crammed with people due to a government-mandated census, effectively leaving no room at the inn for Mary, then nine months pregnant. The birth happened in a stable filled with animals, amidst smells, noises, exhaustion, and uninvited visitors. In the background lurked the threat of a paranoid king ready to murder children. This chaos brings us to an essential realization - God came amidst the unrest, not when conditions were perfect.

The Presence in Chaos

The pursuit of order or tranquility is a common undertaking, especially during the holiday season. It can be deceiving to think that the presence of God primarily resides in the peaceful, well-curated moments - when the worship set resonates, the candles flicker just right, or in moments of quiet reflection. However, our chaotic Christmas scenario serves to debunk this notion. God’s presence is not exclusive to order but arises amidst disorder. God does not merely avoid chaos; He steps into it.

As ministry leaders, you might experience God’s presence not just when things are going to plan, but when you are navigating a last-minute issue, resolving unexpected staff tension, or quietly praying in exhaustion between services.

Chaos does not have to be a sign of God's absence. If your Christmas season feels noisy, messy, or overwhelming, you might be closer to the authenticity of the manger than you realize.

Reflection for this Christmas

As you navigate the holiday season, reflect on these points:

1. Where in your life or leadership do you currently experience chaos?
2. How might God be present in those very spaces of chaos?

If your Christmas season lacks serenity, remember Christmas was never about emotional perfection. It is about the presence of God, about God stepping into our frailty, oftentimes in the midst of our chaos.

For more on embracing the chaos of Christmas, tune into today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Merry Christmas to all and may you find peace amidst any disorder!