These last few days I’ve been surrounded by Christmas cards and rolls of wrapping paper. The floor was is scattered with pens, ribbons, and tags, and my living room could almost be mistaken for Santa’s workshop. At first glance, it seemed like just another festive season chore, but as I sat writing names and tying bows, I’m reminded that these small actions can carry deep meaning.
When we write a Christmas card, we’re sending more than ink on paper. We’re sending connection, memory, and blessing. A simple “Merry Christmas” can remind someone they are not forgotten. A few words of encouragement or a verse of scripture tucked inside a card can carry hope across the miles.
Paul often wrote letters to encourage the early church, reminding them of God’s grace and peace.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
In many ways, our Christmas cards echo that same spirit, words of peace, joy, and love sent out into the world.
Wrapping gifts can feel fiddly, annoying and never-ending, as we tackle corners that won’t fold neatly, and tape that sticks to the wrong place. Yet even in the imperfections, there’s beauty. Wrapping a gift is a way of us saying, this matters, this person matters. It is love made visible in paper and ribbon.
And isn’t that what Christmas is all about? God’s love made visible in Jesus.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14
Just as we wrap gifts to show care, God wrapped His love in human form, sending His Son to dwell with us.
So as I wrote cards and presents were wrapped, I was reminded that these aren’t just seasonal tasks, they’re opportunities to share love, joy, and hope. Each envelope sealed is a prayer. Each ribbon tied is a reminder of God’s gift.
Christmas isn’t found in perfection, it’s found in presence. In the presence of Christ, who came as Emmanuel, God with us.
The Distinct Dot 