Photo and Commentary ©2025 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
This is one of my favorite times of the year for several reasons. Of course, we have the celebration of Christmas and the true meaning behind it. It’s also a season when many of us get the chance to spend time with family and friends—time we don’t always have throughout the rest of the year. The weather can be cold, but when the snow begins to fall, there’s something magical about it. All that said, if I’m completely honest, this season can also bring its fair share of stress.
For those who don’t know me well, I could be characterized as an introvert. It’s true—I tend to be on the quieter side, and I’m most comfortable in small, intimate settings rather than big gatherings. As we know, this season often comes with more gatherings than usual, and with larger crowds. All that can be overwhelming, and stress starts to creep in.
One of the reasons I chose the image I did is because of where it takes my mind. Instantly, I’m transported to a quiet, sunny beach on the island of Maui. I can almost feel the warm sand beneath my feet, hear the gentle rhythm of the waves, and soak in the golden sunlight. In that moment, the stress starts to slip away, flowing out with the retreating tide.
When you think about it, God is that “beach” when life becomes stressful. He brings calm to our restless hearts. He leads us to a quieter place. He surrounds us with warmth and peace. He is the refuge we all need.
The next few days may be perfect for some and challenging for others. But no matter what this season looks like for you, we ALL have a God who cares deeply for us and wants to walk beside us. Whether you’re lifting up praise for joyful moments or asking for peace in stressful ones, He hears and responds.
Thank you, God.