Hello, my friends and fellow word-crafters, I’m taking a short break from writing posts on craft to celebrate the season of Christmas and offer you a bit of encouragement.
As writers, we are in the business of storytelling—crafting worlds, creating characters, and weaving plots that resonate with readers. Or, if we’re nonfiction writers, putting together words that offer help, advice, and hope for others. (Fiction can do this too.) But at Christmas, we are reminded of the most profound story ever written: the story of a baby boy born in a manger, sent to save the world. A story of hope, love, redemption, and the conquering of death forever.
The story starts with a young girl willing to be used by the Almighty and flows into a humble stable in Bethlehem where a baby was born. Simple, right? Yet with a message so powerful it has echoed right up to this present day. For those of us who follow Jesus, His birth marked the beginning of the ultimate redemption arc, culminating in a sacrificial act that changed the course of history.
Every great story contains a few essential elements: a compelling protagonist, an insurmountable obstacle, and a transformative journey. In the Christmas story, we find all of these. The protagonist is Jesus, born in a humble stable. The obstacle is humanity’s brokenness and sin (not to mention a murderous King Herod). And the journey, from a manger to the cross, is one of the ultimate sacrificial acts of love.
For writers, this story is an inspiration, reminding us that even the smallest beginnings can have the most profound impact on the world and that our words matter. They’re important. They’re needed.
Storytelling has long been connected to Christmas celebrations. One of the most well-known traditions is the Nativity play, which dates back to the 13th century. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with the first live Nativity scene in 1223, bringing the story of Christ’s birth to life. Fast forward to the Victorian era; and we find Charles Dickens, whose A Christmas Carol continues to touch hearts. Dickens used his gift of storytelling to shine a light on social issues, blending his faith and creativity to inspire hope and charity.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the gift of words. Just as the angel proclaimed “good tidings of great joy,” writers today have the opportunity to use their words to spread hope and truth. Whether through novels, devotionals, or even social-media posts, our pens can point others to the joy and peace found in the Savior.
Christmas is a season of light breaking through darkness, of promises fulfilled, and of the ultimate Author writing Himself into His creation. As writers, we carry a unique opportunity to reflect that light through our own work, asking ourselves questions like:
- How can I infuse my stories with themes of hope and redemption?
- How can I use my words to uplift others during this season?
- How can I let others see Jesus in the words on my page?
So, remembering that the greatest story ever told began in the most unexpected of places—a stable in Bethlehem—I pray that we write with confidence, with a boldness that comes from knowing we’re vessels to help spread light in a dark world.
Merry Christmas, and happy writing! May your words this season reflect the love and joy of the Savior born to save the world.
