How to Trust Jesus This Christmas
The Comparison Game
In Western culture, Christmas often turns into a season of comparisons. Whether we’re striving for the “perfect” Christmas or lamenting how everything seems to go wrong, it’s easy to get caught in this trap. But if we trust Jesus this Christmas, we can find peace and joy that no circumstance can take away.
Sometimes we boast about buying the best gifts, making the most delicious meals, and hosting the perfect parties. Others lament about burning the turkey, struggling with decorations, or facing family arguments. Here’s the catch: Both approaches point to misplaced trust, whether Christmas is a success or a failure.
When we focus on comparisons centred on our circumstances, we miss the true reason for the season: Jesus.
How Luke 18 Teaches Us to Trust Jesus
In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable that cuts through the noise of comparison and shows us where our trust should lie:
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:10-14 (ESV)
This parable highlights two ways we approach God: trusting in ourselves or humbling ourselves before Him.
Two Ways to Trust Jesus This Christmas
The Pharisee’s prayer reveals the misplaced trust. He focuses on comparing himself to others and listing his accomplishments. His self-righteousness blinds him to his need for God’s mercy.
In contrast, the tax collector humbly recognizes his need for forgiveness. He doesn’t compare himself to others. Instead, he places his trust fully in God.
Jesus tells us that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, left the temple justified.
What Are the Two Types of Christmas?
A self-trusted Christmas relies on external factors—gifts, traditions, or parties. These things are not inherently wrong, but what happens when they fail? The joy of the season can quickly fade.
A Christ-trusted Christmas focuses on Jesus and why He came. When we trust Jesus this Christmas, we find peace and joy that remain, no matter the circumstances.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, ESV)
Even if the turkey burns, the lights fail, or the tree dies, a Christ-trusted Christmas reminds us that the season’s true meaning is unshakable.
How to Focus on Trusting Jesus This Christmas
This Christmas, spend some of your downtime reading through the Gospel of Luke. Of course, it starts with the Christmas story, but don’t stop there. Read it like the letter it’s intended to be, received from Luke, addressed to a good friend.
If you’re reading this post at the beginning of December, there are 24 chapters, so it makes a great Advent read, to stay focused on Jesus during the holiday rush.
Try this prayer as you read through each chapter:
“Lord, help me focus on You this Christmas. Remind me not to compare myself to others. Fill me with Your peace and joy. Teach me to trust in You.”
Dive Deeper Into Scripture
Take some extended time of study to read through the context of the cited passages in this post:
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- What steps can you take to trust Jesus this Christmas?
- How has comparison impacted your holiday season in the past?
- What does a Christ-centered Christmas look like for you?
