“…the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
-Luke 2: 10-11
We wish you the love, happiness, and peace that the meaning of Christmas brings! Our wish is also that you feel God’s presence in the lights and candles which softly cast their glow at Christmas. May you feel the awe of His enduring love as He guides you throughout every day of the coming year. God’s Blessings be with you, both at Christmas and in the New Year!
Lifetime Adoption’s offices will be closed on Christmas Day. However, we’ll remain available 24/7 for birth mothers and adoptive families with urgent updates on their adoption match: 1-800-923-6784.
We’re hopeful that the coming year reveals the next step toward realizing your heart’s greatest desire, parenthood. Lifetime continues to pray for each and every one of you. We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time, whether you’re thinking about adoption for your baby or faithfully waiting to be chosen as adoptive parents.
A Christmas Prayer for Hope and Confidence
This Christmas, carve out a few quiet moments to focus on God, reflecting on the love, hope, and compassion revealed through Jesus’ arrival. Invite Him to help you recognize His presence whether you’re experiencing celebration, happiness, or heaviness. Christmas points us to Emmanuel—God with us—who remains close through every waiting season.
Lord, we celebrate and honor You during this season of Christmas. We choose to put You at the center of our lives as we observe Your birth. Keep us from being distracted and help us to invite You into our lives.
Help us to worship You during this busy time of year. Give us wisdom so that we might know You better. Help us to be kind to each other and forgive one another, just as You forgave us. Teach us acts of kindness for those in need.
Open our eyes and our hearts so that we might be enlightened, and know the hope you’ve called us to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Season of Hope Amid the Wait
Christmas brings hope and celebration, yet it can also amplify life’s pressures and emotions. For those pursuing adoption, the holidays often stir a distinctive blend of yearning, expectancy, and contemplation. The strain of the waiting period or the demands of completing adoption requirements can make it difficult to fully embrace the season’s deeper meaning.
Navigating the Wait During the Holidays
In the midst of seasonal activities, you may struggle to feel God’s presence. The emotional burden of waiting can create a sense of distance from Him. Yet this season beautifully illustrates how near He actually is. Christmas centers on Jesus—God’s provision for restoring our relationship with Him through His Son.
Whatever circumstances you’re facing right now, we hope you’ll be encouraged by God’s faithfulness. He is aware of your situation, cares deeply about your present reality, and is actively at work in your future. Are questions, uncertainties, anxieties, or feelings of being overwhelmed challenging your faith? God invites you to recall His faithfulness, goodness, and compassion. He sent Jesus to take on human form so we could experience a deeper relationship with Him.
When you place your trust in the One born in Bethlehem, crucified, and resurrected, God assures you He will never forsake you—even during your most difficult prayers or seasons of uncertainty.
God’s Presence in the Midst of Busy Seasons
Jesus arrived “at just the right time,” following centuries of anticipation and longing. His love demonstrates redemption, fresh starts, and steadfast faithfulness. Even when our prayers seem distant or our hearts ache, He remains good, loving, and faithful.
As you continue through the adoption journey, hold onto this truth: God didn’t guide you to this path only to leave you waiting indefinitely. He invites you to trust His timing, reflect on His faithfulness throughout your life, and watch for evidence of His provision and renewed hope—even in everyday moments.
Merry Christmas from Everyone at Lifetime!
We’re grateful you’ve allowed us to accompany you on the adoption path God has set before you. It’s our privilege to support you as you expand your family.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
-Romans 15:13
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on December 22, 2017, and has since been updated.
Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P., is nationally recognized as an expert on open adoption. A Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P.), Caldwell is the founder of Lifetime Adoption Center, established in 1986. She has assisted in over 2,000 successful adoptions and was one of the first adoption professionals on the Internet.
Caldwell's life work is dedicated to educating and helping birth parents find the right adoptive parents for their child. She spreads the word about modern adoption through speaking appearances, webinars, online resources, and as a podcast show host.
She has written several award-winning books, including So I Was Thinking About Adoption, the first book of its kind. There are many reasons women choose adoption, and this short book is a comprehensive resource to make the best plan for you and your baby. Caldwell wrote So I Was Thinking About Adoption as a handy guide to the details of the adoption process.
Caldwell has made over 150 media appearances, including ABC News, CBS News, Larry King Live, CNN Headline News, NBC's The Today Show, CNN's The Campbell Brown Show, NBC News, KGO Newstalk Radio, CNN's Black in America II, MSNBC, Fox, PBS, BBC, and Dr. Laura.
