What does Jesus being born in a manger tell us? That what is small and hidden can be of great worth to God.
If that weren’t true, there would have been a throne instead of a manger. There would have been red carpets instead of red blood spilled upon a cross on a lonely hill. There would have been press releases instead of angels presenting extraordinary news to ordinary shepherds.
Maybe you’re in a season of rocking babies, caring for aging parents, or quietly doing work that no one seems to see. Maybe what you do feels invisible at times. If so, then I want to say, “What’s visible isn’t more valuable.”
God sees us in the shadows of others who seem to be standing more in the spotlight, during the midnight hours meeting deadlines, and in the kitchen making scrambled eggs. God sees all that we do out of our loving hearts as beautiful and precious and worthwhile.
It turns out the most sacred spaces in our lives are often the ordinary ones. The plain ones. The ones no one would say were anything special. The ones that seem so small they don’t even deserve to be noticed.
The ones like a manger.
Because when we lean in and look a little closer like shepherds did in a stable long ago, we discover this glorious surprise: Jesus is right there in the center of it all.
Wherever you are right now, the same is true for you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, you are the only one who can see it all—past, present, and future. You also see so much deeper than the surface. You see what’s eternally true. I want to see myself and my circumstances through Your eyes today. Realign my view with Yours. Bring me peace through a new perspective. Amen.
TRUTH TO REMEMBER TODAY
What’s small and hidden can be of great worth to God.
MORE FOR YOU
- A New Reading Plan and a Gift for You: This time of year often brings extra stress, anxiety, and worries alongside the gifts under the tree. I’ve created a brand new (free!) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan to meet you in that place and bring a little peace. Click here for 7 days of Scripture-based encouragement, prayers, and truths you’ll remember this season. (Want more than 7 days? Here’s another free resource with excerpts from my book Prayers for Peace of Mind.)
- A Devotional for All of 2026: What would next year look like if you started each day with encouragement and truth? The daily devotions in 365 Truths for Every Woman’s Heart take less than five minutes to read, but they’ll strengthen your heart, deepen your faith, and remind yourself of what matters most. Order your copy today so you’re ready for January! (If shipping is delayed, you can read a free excerpt here.)
- Created With You in Mind: Imagine waking up in the morning with a deeper sense of meaning PLUS a practical plan to help you do what matters most. Imagine less confusion and more clarity, less insecurity and more confidence, less pressure and more contentment. The changes you long for begin with listening to the whisper inside that keeps asking, “Why am I here?” Let’s find the answer together inside Find Your Purpose in this Season.
