That’s when I felt it: the Christmas Day ache. Have you ever felt it? After weeks of secrets and excitement, decorating and baking, shopping and planning, a tiny spark of wanting. It wasn’t about the presents I got or didn’t get. Instead, the glitter of the season, the high expectations set by advertisers, the music, the get-togethers with family and friends all combined to leave me with “the longing.”

This year I let the longing lead me to worship the Baby in the manger, just as the shepherds did so long ago. In Luke 2:15, after the angels made their stunning appearance and shared the glorious news of the birth, the shepherds said to themselves: “Let’s go . . . and see.” After they found Jesus and worshipped Him, they went into the village and told everyone what they had seen.

And so, like the shepherds, He bids me: Go and see. Go and tell. This time I will go to the manger and see; then I will go and tell of the best Christmas Gift of all. “And all who heard . . . were amazed” (Luke 2:18).

Real love isn’t found gift-wrapped with a bow. Real joy isn’t found in stuff from a store. Real peace isn’t found in the glitter and sparkle of the season. All of these things leave us wanting. Instead, our pangs of longing, our ache for real love, peace, and joy are satisfied only in Jesus. Let your Christmas longings bring you to the Baby in the manger. Go and see. Then go and tell.