Grateful Living
Christmas Reflections 2025
by Karen Young
As we approach Christmas, I invited a few members of our team to share from the heart—what this year has meant to them personally, what they are grateful for, and what Christmas means to them. Their reflections paint a picture of God’s faithfulness, growth, and grace at work in ordinary lives.
As we approach Christmas, I invited a few members of our team to share from the heart—what this year has meant to them personally, what they are grateful for, and what Christmas means to them. Their reflections paint a picture of God’s faithfulness, growth, and grace at work in ordinary lives.
A Christmas Memory - Karen
Christmas during my childhood was always a joyful occasion. Our home would be filled with thirty or forty relatives, all talking loudly, laughing, and sharing food as if it were the most natural thing. My parents were incredibly welcoming, though I often wonder how my mum managed to cook, prepare, and host for all those years with such grace. These gatherings were lively, noisy, and filled with people who truly loved and respected one another.
Looking back, I often think that if I could give a child just one gift, it would be a childhood like mine—surrounded by warmth, family, and a sense of belonging.
This year, I’m grateful to celebrate Christmas with my brothers and their families, as well as my husband’s family. As the season approaches, I reflect on those early memories and endeavour to carry that same spirit into my own celebrations. I aim to create moments that embody the hope, humility, and salvation that Christmas signifies. Above all, I want to remember why Christ came—His great love for us—and let that guide how I spend my time: being present with loved ones, showing kindness in my community, counting my blessings, and holding close those who might be struggling during this season.
A Year of Fruitfulness and Faithfulness - James
For James, 2025 has been a year where prayers and perseverance have begun to bear fruit. After six years in ministry and seven years of faithfully praying for revival, he is seeing God move in powerful ways. New people are coming, lives are changing, and he feels the privilege of discipling others in their faith more deeply than ever.
James is especially grateful for his beautiful wife, Mel—his rock and safe place—and for their two precious children, Zac and Aria, whose growing personalities bring joy to everyday life.
Christmas for James always begins with Jesus. Before any presents are unwrapped, the family pauses to read the story of Christ’s birth. It’s a simple but treasured tradition that anchors him in what truly matters: celebrating Jesus and being with family.
A Year of Growth and God’s Provision - Mel
For Mel, this year has been one of stretching, resilience, and personal growth. Unexpected changes and seasons of hosting vulnerable guests have opened doors for deep ministry within her home. Through every challenge and curveball, she has experienced firsthand the truth that God never wastes an experience and never leaves or forsakes His children.
She is deeply thankful for God’s divine provision—His perfect timing, His guidance through complicated government processes, and the friends who reached out right when they were needed most. In every circumstance, she has seen God’s steady faithfulness.
Christmas holds a profound meaning for Mel, especially since becoming a parent. Reflecting on God sending His Son into a world that would reject Him brings a depth and tenderness to the season. For her, Christmas is a reminder of the unexplainable, unconditional love of the Father poured out freely for us.
Stepping Into New Things - Leanne
This year has been a season of stepping into the very things Leanne prayed for last year. Growth, change, and long-hoped-for desires have begun to unfold, bringing encouragement and renewed hope.
She is grateful for her family, her work, and the security of a stable home. Above all, she is thankful for a God who walks beside her—real, present, and personal every step of the way.
Christmas is a treasured time when her whole family gathers together. Surrounded by the people she loves most, she is reminded of how beautifully blessed she is and how much growth God has brought into their lives.
A Year of Reflection and Renewal - Nicole
Nicole’s year has been marked by intentional self-reflection and learning, prompting her to rethink how she approaches life and its challenges. Through it all, she has been continually aware of God’s faithfulness.
She is especially grateful for the people God has placed around her—her husband, her family, her colleagues, and her church family. This year, their presence and support have meant more than ever.
For Nicole, Christmas is simply an extension of her daily gratitude for God’s love and His redemptive plan. It is a season that draws her heart back to the wonder of God’s kindness toward humanity.
Closing Reflection
As I read these heartfelt reflections from our team, I am reminded again of how diverse our journeys are and yet how beautifully God weaves His love, faithfulness, and grace through each of our stories. From seasons of growth and resilience to moments of renewal and revived hope, this year has carried its own unique lessons for each of us.
Christmas invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and remember that God stepped into our world—into the ordinary and the chaotic—with a love that changes everything. My prayer is that this season will be one where you, too, sense His presence, cherish your loved ones, and find quiet moments of gratitude amid the busyness.
May Christ's hope steady your heart, His peace fill your home, and His love surround you—today and always.
This is the last week for Grateful Reflections this year.
Blessings,
Karen
Christmas during my childhood was always a joyful occasion. Our home would be filled with thirty or forty relatives, all talking loudly, laughing, and sharing food as if it were the most natural thing. My parents were incredibly welcoming, though I often wonder how my mum managed to cook, prepare, and host for all those years with such grace. These gatherings were lively, noisy, and filled with people who truly loved and respected one another.
Looking back, I often think that if I could give a child just one gift, it would be a childhood like mine—surrounded by warmth, family, and a sense of belonging.
This year, I’m grateful to celebrate Christmas with my brothers and their families, as well as my husband’s family. As the season approaches, I reflect on those early memories and endeavour to carry that same spirit into my own celebrations. I aim to create moments that embody the hope, humility, and salvation that Christmas signifies. Above all, I want to remember why Christ came—His great love for us—and let that guide how I spend my time: being present with loved ones, showing kindness in my community, counting my blessings, and holding close those who might be struggling during this season.
A Year of Fruitfulness and Faithfulness - James
For James, 2025 has been a year where prayers and perseverance have begun to bear fruit. After six years in ministry and seven years of faithfully praying for revival, he is seeing God move in powerful ways. New people are coming, lives are changing, and he feels the privilege of discipling others in their faith more deeply than ever.
James is especially grateful for his beautiful wife, Mel—his rock and safe place—and for their two precious children, Zac and Aria, whose growing personalities bring joy to everyday life.
Christmas for James always begins with Jesus. Before any presents are unwrapped, the family pauses to read the story of Christ’s birth. It’s a simple but treasured tradition that anchors him in what truly matters: celebrating Jesus and being with family.
A Year of Growth and God’s Provision - Mel
For Mel, this year has been one of stretching, resilience, and personal growth. Unexpected changes and seasons of hosting vulnerable guests have opened doors for deep ministry within her home. Through every challenge and curveball, she has experienced firsthand the truth that God never wastes an experience and never leaves or forsakes His children.
She is deeply thankful for God’s divine provision—His perfect timing, His guidance through complicated government processes, and the friends who reached out right when they were needed most. In every circumstance, she has seen God’s steady faithfulness.
Christmas holds a profound meaning for Mel, especially since becoming a parent. Reflecting on God sending His Son into a world that would reject Him brings a depth and tenderness to the season. For her, Christmas is a reminder of the unexplainable, unconditional love of the Father poured out freely for us.
Stepping Into New Things - Leanne
This year has been a season of stepping into the very things Leanne prayed for last year. Growth, change, and long-hoped-for desires have begun to unfold, bringing encouragement and renewed hope.
She is grateful for her family, her work, and the security of a stable home. Above all, she is thankful for a God who walks beside her—real, present, and personal every step of the way.
Christmas is a treasured time when her whole family gathers together. Surrounded by the people she loves most, she is reminded of how beautifully blessed she is and how much growth God has brought into their lives.
A Year of Reflection and Renewal - Nicole
Nicole’s year has been marked by intentional self-reflection and learning, prompting her to rethink how she approaches life and its challenges. Through it all, she has been continually aware of God’s faithfulness.
She is especially grateful for the people God has placed around her—her husband, her family, her colleagues, and her church family. This year, their presence and support have meant more than ever.
For Nicole, Christmas is simply an extension of her daily gratitude for God’s love and His redemptive plan. It is a season that draws her heart back to the wonder of God’s kindness toward humanity.
Closing Reflection
As I read these heartfelt reflections from our team, I am reminded again of how diverse our journeys are and yet how beautifully God weaves His love, faithfulness, and grace through each of our stories. From seasons of growth and resilience to moments of renewal and revived hope, this year has carried its own unique lessons for each of us.
Christmas invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and remember that God stepped into our world—into the ordinary and the chaotic—with a love that changes everything. My prayer is that this season will be one where you, too, sense His presence, cherish your loved ones, and find quiet moments of gratitude amid the busyness.
May Christ's hope steady your heart, His peace fill your home, and His love surround you—today and always.
This is the last week for Grateful Reflections this year.
Blessings,
Karen
Posted in Grateful Living