Noticing Jesus in the Ordinary

Noticing Jesus in the Ordinary
By Rebecca  Hansen

Christmas has a way of pulling our attention toward the big moments, the family gatherings, the Christmas parties, the shopping lists, and final exams. But the older I get, the more aware I am of how fast the years go. One December turns into the next, kids get older, traditions shift, and sometimes it feels like time is sprinting ahead of me. I’ve realized that Jesus tends to meet me in the quiet, ordinary spaces long before He shows up in anything grand.

It’s the small things.

The unseen things.

The “blink and you’ll miss it” parts of my day.

And if I’m not paying attention, I really do miss them.

Jesus shows up when I’m driving to work, and a worship song hits the right line at the right time.

He’s in a quick hug from my teenager before he rushes out the door.

He’s there when I’m folding laundry, and I suddenly remember a conversation that needs prayer.

He’s in the handwritten, encouraging sticky note from my daughter that somehow landed exactly where I needed it that day.

He’s even in the mundane routine of chores, answering emails and choosing kindness when I’m tired.

None of these moments would make it onto a Christmas card. They’re not loud. They’re not flashy.

But they’re the places where Jesus quietly whispers, “I’m here. I’m with you in all of this.”

And maybe that’s the real invitation of Christmas, to notice Him. Not in the big productions or perfect plans, but in the simple places we’re tempted to overlook because we’re busy, tired, or trying to squeeze too much into the calendar.

The truth is, December moves fast. One moment it’s the first of the month, and the next, Christmas has passed, and a new year is here. If we’re not intentional, we can spend the whole season rushing through tasks and traditions without stopping to notice Jesus in the midst of it all.

So this season, my prayer is simple.

Let’s notice Him.

In the small, the ordinary, the quiet, the easily missed.

Because He’s already present. Already involved. Already working in the tiny corners of our everyday life.

We just have to take notice.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20

If your December already feels loud, rushed, or full… pause.

Right now.

Let your heart catch up to your schedule, and say a simple prayer:

“Jesus, help me see You in the ordinary today.”

And if you’re looking for a simple way to stay rooted in that posture this season, I’ve linked a few devotionals below that are sitting on my bookshelf right now, and they have helped turn my eyes back to Him in the quiet. Maybe one of them will do the same for you. 

Jesus Listens for Advent and Christmas – Sarah Young

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy – John Piper

Bathed in Prayer – Jan Karon

Bring on the Merry – Candace Cameron Bure