Journal – December 24, 11:32 PM

This year, Christmas feels different.
Our family was not able to gather for our traditional Christmas meal. That absence was felt. Yet, we went to church and celebrated the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in that moment, I sensed something deeper.

There were many differences this year. Still, I felt the strong presence of God—Emmanuel, God with us—entering my heart in a powerful way. Even without familiar traditions, His presence was real and comforting.

Tonight, I read Luke 1:57–80.
These scriptures helped me understand how the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in real life. Before the Father sent Jesus into the world, He sent John the Baptist as a forerunner. The Old Testament spoke clearly about this, and in the New Testament, those prophecies came alive. Yet, not everyone recognized or understood what God was doing.

These days, I am trying to understand many things.
God speaks, but I struggle to fully hear and understand His voice. I know He is guiding, yet clarity feels just out of reach.

God uses His people to carry out His plan for the whole world. It is never about just one person. His work is always intertwined—lives connected, purposes aligned, moments woven together by His will.

Lord, speak to me.
Help me to hear You, to understand Your timing, and to trust Your plan.