Let me take a moment to share with you about Jesus, someone who means so much to many people, and I hope to make Him feel more real and relatable to you.
Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph (His life steward) in a humble setting, an inn on the lower floor where the animals are sheltered – unless it is a wealthy inn; or it could have been even a stable. His mother, Mary, is often remembered for her incredible faith and courage. Imagine being a young woman and finding out you’re going to have a baby in such a miraculous way—she was visited by an angel who told her she would give birth to the Son of God! That’s no small thing, and you can feel the weight of that. Yet, she embraced it with grace and trust, knowing God had a plan for her and her child.
Joseph, her husband, is just as important in this story. When he learned about Mary’s pregnancy, I’m sure that he felt confused and unsure of what to do. But after an angel appeared to him in a dream, assuring him that everything was okay and that he should take Mary as his wife, he stepped up. He showed love and compassion, dedicating himself to raising Jesus as his son. Can you imagine the bond they must have shared as Joseph taught Him how to work with wood and all it’s intricacies, how to treat others with kindness, and how to pray? Joseph was not just a caregiver; he was a role model, guiding Jesus in life and in faith. Joseph was the steward of God’s Son!
Jesus grew up surrounded by this love and support, learning what it means to value people and to love God. He likely watched Joseph and Mary live out their faith in everyday moments—eating together, helping his siblings and his neighbors, showing kindness to strangers. Those were the lessons that shaped who Jesus would become.
As He reached adulthood, Jesus began to share His message with the world. He told stories that were at once simple and profound, making the complex ideas about God and love easy to grasp. Think of Him sharing a meal with everyone—family, friends, strangers, even those who were outcasts—and showing them that everyone deserves to be heard and treated with dignity. He spoke about love and compassion in ways that made people think, “Wow, that really makes sense! I can do that!”
He didn’t just talk about love; He lived it. When He met someone who was sick or struggling, He didn’t turn away. Instead, He reached out, healed them, and helped restore them to their whole selves. It’s as if He looked right into their souls and saw their worth. When He noticed people in pain, He hurt with them. And when He saw injustice, He stood up and spoke out, encouraging others to do the same.
But Jesus’ life also had its challenges. There were people who didn’t understand Him, who were threatened by what He taught. They were used to the way things were, and the love and acceptance He shared scared them. Eventually, this led to His betrayal, then His arrest and trial, and ultimately His death on a tree; a tough part of the story that leaves many feeling heartbroken. You might wonder why something so tragic had to happen. Well, here’s the amazing part: Jesus took all of that pain upon Himself as an act of love for everyone—each and every one of us. He showed that love sometimes means sacrifice, even when it hurts.
After His death, something incredible happened—He rose from the dead. This isn’t just an ending; it’s a new beginning. It means that love is more powerful than anything, even death itself. When Jesus came back, it was like a loud message of hope for everyone saying, “You are loved, you matter, and there’s always a way back to joy, no matter what happens!”
For many people, believing in Jesus isn’t just about following a set of rules. It’s about having a relationship—a friendship, really. It’s about knowing that you’re accepted just as you are, flaws and all, and that you can grow and learn and be loved unconditionally. The lessons from Mary and Joseph echo in His teachings: we are all called to love one another and to care for each other.
God wants to have a personal connection with each of us. Can you feel that? It’s like an invitation to have someone who deeply understands you, who walks with you through life’s ups and downs. Jesus teaches us that we’re never alone. He whispers to us in quiet moments, nudging us toward love, compassion, and kindness.
Through Him, we learn that the most powerful thing we can do in our lives is to love one another, just like Mary and Joseph loved and nurtured Jesus. They showed Him that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s about showing up for others, being there in tough times, and celebrating in joyous moments.
So, when you hear about Jesus, think of Him as a friend who encourages us to be better, to love more deeply, and to share that love with everyone around us. He’s the friend that sticks closer than a brother. It’s a beautiful, ongoing journey that invites us to recognize the goodness in ourselves and one another. That’s the heart of who Jesus is, and that’s what so many people hold dear.