When we’d rather indulge ourselves and our sin, self-control is God’s grace working in us to love and serve like Christ.

When guilt paralyzes us, the gospel frees us to move forward into repentance and joy.

If we stand on the affirmation and glory we receive in motherhood, we’ll fall flat on our faces within minutes. If, however, we stand on the work of Christ and faithfully serve in our homes, like Christ’s humble example, we bring glory to God and experience greater joy.

Christ didn’t suffer on the cross so we could just survive motherhood. Rather, he defeated death so we could live as righteous ones. As we choose to serve our families with joy and out of love for God, we are transformed by grace into Christ-likeness—yes, through car pick up lines, nighttime wake ups, and toothpaste spills.

Let’s face it—we want everything to go well so we look amazing. But this Christmas, it’s not about being the queen of our kingdom, it’s about worshipping the true King.