Humble Arrival
A holiday heart switch.
In case you’re new here . . .
I’m Sarah, and I am loved by God, a wife, dog mom, and writer. I live in a harbor town in Wisconsin, value authenticity, and delight in a cup of pour over coffee in the morning. I tell stories for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as my day job, which I love! When I put my author-cap on, I like to write about finding God’s goodness in everyday life, the hard and the beautiful, and explore the deeper questions of life and faith. My writing addresses wounds, doubts, and challenges with honesty, while gently pointing toward hope and healing. At least, I try for it to!
My debut book All the Hard Things: 50 Days Through the Valley, will be released through Harvest House Publishers in February 2026. I’m glad you’re here!
And now, on to today’s letter…
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:8
Winter has arrived with all its icy claws and rasping wind. It’s cold outside. A wrap yourself in seven blankets, heat up some cocoa, and perch yourself by a fire kind of cold. I have no urgency to step beyond my heated home and into that world of wracking weather. In a perfect scene where we have the choice of climate, I’m highly doubtful many would choose the below freezing temperatures and mounds of snow.
Which makes me think about Jesus, and His first venture into the world He and His Father created. He didn’t ask to be birthed in the tropics, in a cushy hospital room with a jungle-theme nursery waiting at home. He didn’t even demand the best five-star hotel Bethlehem had to offer. Instead, He started His earthly journey in the back of a dimly lit manger, cattle crying beside Him.
The Lord of life, Savior of nations, exalted in the highest heavenly realms, could have stormed the scene with horns blaring and crown set triumphantly on His head. For all He did for us, He deserved an entrance that would have put any ancient royal celebration to shame.
But that wasn’t His style. It wasn’t the purpose of His presence. His Father brought Him to us with clear intent, and this God in the flesh shook the social circle by acting and saying everything contrary to Pharisee teaching.
The last shall be first.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Everything He did, He did on purpose. And that included arriving in less than desirable circumstances - straw for slippers, a birth announcement greeted by lowly shepherds. Our Christ, a kid.
Funny to think about, isn’t it? I’m more pampered than the mighty Prince of Peace. But His humility, His subtle greeting in a town that was just a dot on the map, determined my fate. For everything I repulse, He embraced. Every shudder at the obscene, He collected at the cross. Our Lord, perfect as a person. Through His journey, He never complained about His starting spot. Because He knew that through what seemed like unappealing, ordinary conditions, something extraordinary would transpire.
You know something? My frostbite and window scraping don’t seem such a burden after all. Not when Christ has carried the frostiness of man’s disbelief on small shoulders, bundled in the shadows of a stable.
There’s Always Grace,
Sarah
Question to Consider: What has been giving you stress lately? How can Jesus’ humility and strength shift your perspective?
Prayer for Humility: Lord, I have no right to complain at all. You have faced more distress than I could possibly imagine, just for me. My Strong Fortress, Savior of my soul, You could have landed anywhere on earth. But You chose a hidden barn at the edge of town, in the middle of a sleeping city. You humbled Yourself so I might have confidence in Your Kingdom. Thank You for paving the way for my victory in You. Amen.
Book Update: Join My Launch Team!
We are about two months out(!) until the publication of All the Hard Things! It is hard to believe, but I’m beginning to gather my people to help me spread the word and support the book. As a member of my launch team, you’ll get access to an early copy of the book, some live Q&As with me, and chances to enter in giveaways to win fun goodies!
EMAIL ME if you are interested and I’ll add your name and email to the list - communication will be coming at the end of the month or early January!
Recommendation and Giveaway
Defined Bible Study by Priscilla Shirer
For teen girls and young adults. From the publisher:
Join Priscilla Shirer for eight weeks and begin to understand what it means to be created in God’s image and recreated in Christ’s image as His masterpiece. Once you discover who God says you are and the spiritual inheritance that you have, you can start walking in your true identity as a daughter of the most high King.
**If you’d like the book, hit Reply to the email and put “Giveaway” in the subject line. One random U.S. winner will receive a copy!
Advent YouVersion Plan
Treasures Pondered - YouVersion
Need an Advent devotional? My five-day reading plan provides soul stirring reflections on the Christmas season to help prepare your heart for the coming of Christ our king.
Published Pieces
Celebration in Heaven - She Reads Truth
I celebrated my fortieth birthday in a park next to Lake Michigan with family and close friends, a potluck of snacks and sweets, and beautiful weather. Normally I don’t like attention, but turning forty was worth celebrating. The day was soaked in joy, laughter, and the sweetness of loved ones all in one place.
Think of your sweetest celebration. As special as it was, our greatest parties pale in comparison to what is waiting for us when we join with the angels in singing the glory of God and what He has done through Jesus.
Slowing Down to Savor the Season - Sisterhood Magazine
The slow cadence of small, white-capped waves slides against the sand, rolls over beach wood, and washed-up stones. Between horizon and water, there isn’t much difference between the blues. Wisps of clouds hang in the azure sky, mirroring the sparkle of the lake with a shimmer of its own. My legs stretch, weight shifting on a driftwood log lodged with sand as I take my time exhaling a long-kept breath.
Mere feet from the lapping waves of Lake Michigan, I am alone, like I have slipped off the radar to nestle myself in a quiet nook on the shore. A steady rhythm of waves continues to tap against the tiny rocks, smooth with years of washing by the water. I am kissed by the breeze, which runs renewing fingers through my hair. After suffocating weeks of strained sleep and an ever-running mind, for the first time, I am full of peace, drifting in the soothing salve of restoration.
Connect with Me
I’d love to hear from you - send me an email at sarahefreymuth@gmail.com to say hi, share a thought that’s on your heart, and let me know how to pray for you. You can connect with me on my social handles, as well: