Every December most of us feel the pressure to make the season meaningful. We plan traditions, spend money and chase magic while things feel rushed, strained, or strangely empty at the exact moments we want meaning. There’s plenty of goodness to find in the Christmas season but it can’t be manufactured. It only shows up with the appearance of grace.

The Apostle Paul summarizes the entire Christmas story in one verse:

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
— Titus 2...