Alister uses the Gospel of John to examine the profound difference between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the spiritual reality of Jesus Christ. He reflects on how modern celebrations often leave people feeling exhausted, disappointed, or overwhelmed and that we often focus on the “box” of external rituals rather than the true gift inside. Alister emphasizes the true message of Christmas, that the Messiah was born into humble circumstances in order to offer all of us an abundant life and relationship with Him.

Isaiah 2 challenges us to walk with the Lord with both hope and humility.  Hope that God will lead us through the darkness even if we can’t see where we are going, and humility to surrender our pride and truly follow where He is leading us.

In this chapter, we see the people of Israel reflecting on their successful work, and we see them weep when they realize how absent God has been from their lives. Alister shows us how, later in the chapter, the people have a “serious Joy”, because despite their brokenness, God has brought them back and saved them.