I often wish I could go back—just for a moment—to that little apartment my parents had in Hawaii during my very first Christmas. There’s a black-and-white picture of me sitting on the floor, toys scattered all around, and my smile says everything: I felt safe. I felt loved.
I can still picture my Dad laughing and filming me while my Mama snapped photos, trying to make me smile.
That was pure love—simple, steady, untouched by worry.
Christmas on the islands holds a magic you never forget. No cold winds, no heavy coats—just warm breezes and the sound of waves folding gently onto the shore. My Dad used to surf on Christmas Day, and I imagine myself in my mother’s arms on the sands of Waikiki, watching him out on the ocean… feeling the sun, the warmth, the safety of being held.
Love has a way of holding on to what is dear and letting the rest fade.
Love doesn’t demand perfection—it remembers beauty.
And Love has a name: Jesus.
Scripture tells us:
“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18
“Underneath are the everlasting arms.” — Deuteronomy 33:27
The enemy would love to pull our thoughts into darkness, discouragement, or loneliness—especially during the holidays. He wants us to forget the goodness of God, the moments where we were held, protected, and carried. His goal never changes: to steal peace, distort memories, and whisper hopelessness.
But Jesus—
Jesus calls us to remember.
To remember His faithfulness.
To remember the times He carried us when life felt too heavy.
To remember how many times His light broke through our darkness.
To remember that His arms have never let us go.
Just as I was held in my mother’s arms on that warm Hawaiian shore, Jesus has held me—and still holds me—on the shores of my own life. He stands in every season, whispering:
“Fear not, for I am with you.” — Isaiah 41:10
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5
“My peace I give to you.” — John 14:27⸻
Remember the light.
Even the smallest light shatters darkness. (John 1:5)
Remember the love.
Jesus didn’t come to judge the world, but to save it. (John 3:17)
Remember the promise.
God is faithful to complete the work He began in you. (Philippians 1:6)
Remember the peace.
His peace isn’t fragile—it’s a gift that remains. (John 14:27)
Remember the presence.
You are never, ever walking alone. (Psalm 23:4)
Christmas isn’t just about nostalgia or childhood memories. It’s about recognizing the God who has been holding us all along— the God who stepped into our world as a baby, wrapped not in perfection, but in love.
And just like those warm Hawaiian waves, His love keeps reaching the shore of our hearts—
gentle, steady, and endlessly faithful.
#Christmas, #ChristmasDevotional, #JesusIsNear, #HeldByHisLove, #GodWithUs, #ChristmasReflection, #FaithOverFear, #ChristianEncouragement, #JesusIsLove, #HopeInChrist, #GodsFaithfulness, #EverlastingArms, #ChristianBlogger, #HolidayHope, #LightOfTheWorld