Coming Empty-Handed, Leaving Full-Hearted

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

—1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

The season of Christmas is often loud and busy. The lists are long, there’s gifts to buy, cards to send, decorations to put up, and parties to attend. In all the bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of the One we’re celebrating. And yet, at its very core, Christmas is about one simple, breathtaking truth: the King has come.

When Jesus was born, He didn’t arrive in a palace, surrounded by power, wealth, and influence. Instead, He came to a humble place, welcomed by humble people. From what we can tell in Scripture, Mary and Joseph had few connections or resources in Bethlehem. There was no family home waiting, no warm guest room, and certainly no birthing suite. Instead, the King of kings made His entrance into a stable. Hardly the setting anyone would choose for the birth of a firstborn child.

But God knew exactly what He was doing. He even handpicked the first visitors to meet the newborn Messiah. And it’s not who we would have chosen. The first to hear the good news were shepherds. Ordinary men who lived on the outskirts of society, often sleeping under the stars with their sheep. People didn’t line up to befriend them or invite them to dinner. Yet while most of Bethlehem slept, oblivious to the miracle unfolding on their doorstep, these shepherds witnessed the heavens explode in angelic song, declaring:

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord!” - Luke 2:11

They were given VIP access and front-row seats to history’s greatest birth announcement. The angels even gave them specific directions so they wouldn’t miss Him. And the shepherds ran. They didn’t stop to gather a gift or to clean themselves up. They simply came. Empty-handed, hearts pounding, eager to worship.

How opposite this is from the way we often approach Christmas. We place so much importance on gifts, wrapping, appearances, and making sure everything looks just right. But God made a statement the night Jesus was born: He isn’t impressed by what we can give Him. He wants us.

When the shepherds arrived, they brought nothing but themselves, and that was enough. God had already orchestrated a plan for valuable gifts to arrive later, carried by wise men who traveled from far away. But that wasn’t the priority on Jesus’ first night on earth. What mattered most was hearts overflowing with worship.

This Christmas, let’s slow down and remember: Jesus isn’t asking for perfectly wrapped gifts or an Instagram-worthy holiday. He’s inviting us to come into His presence, like the shepherds, just as we are. With gratitude. With awe. With love.

Take time in the presence of Jesus today and ask Him: “Lord, what do you want me to bring to You this season?” Maybe it’s a part of your heart you’ve been holding back. Maybe it’s your time, your forgiveness, or your obedience in a specific area. Or maybe it’s simply your worship, offered freely and sincerely. Whatever it is, bring it. Lay it before the King.

Pray with me…

“Jesus, You are the greatest gift I could ever receive. Forgive me when I get so caught up in the busyness of the season that I forget to simply come to You. This Christmas, I bring You my heart - empty-handed, yet full of love for You. Teach me to live in awe and gratitude, every day, for who You are and what You’ve done. Amen.”

Merry Christmas, my friend.

Jamie