Christmas doesn’t always look the way we imagined it would - especially when you’re parenting a child with autism.

In this Christmas episode, we talk honestly about what the season looks like in our home. Our son Timmy doesn’t sit quietly by the tree opening presents - he’s usually running laps through the house instead. And while it can be tempting to compare our Christmas to others, comparison is quick to steal joy if we let it.

Together, we turn our hearts back to the true meaning of Christmas. Scripture reminds us that hope was born in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus. As we read from Isaiah 9:6 and John 1:9, we’re reminded that Christmas isn’t about perfection - it’s about the Light entering a dark world.

Jesus was born in an unconventional way - with no room at the inn (Luke 2:7). And in many ways, that mirrors the unconventional Christmas experiences we have as special-needs parents.

We also reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit, our helper and companion through the hard days (John 14:15–17), and how we can find joy right where we are - not in the version of Christmas we wish we had, but in the one God has placed us in.

If your Christmas looks different this year, you’re not alone. Hope was born here - and He meets us exactly where we are.