Christmas is that time of year where family gets together and celebrities the holidays. For Christians, it is a time to come together and reflect on how Jesus coming into the world blesses us. Unfortunately, many of us are away from our families or don’t have much family to speak of. And some of us have contentious relationships with our families. At the heart of the Christmas story is a message of unity surrounding family.
Jesus was adopted by Joseph and many in Jesus lineage have odd histories that complicate his family tree. Despite or brokenness, hard pasts, or tension-filled relationships, God still welcomes us into his family, bringing healing to those that need it and community to those that lack it. God is our eternal father, and his tender heart is on full display during Christmas.