What do you think of when you think of the story of Christmas? Truly, there is so much to think about—so many characters, so much adventure.
There was the humble obedience of Mary: the willingness of a simple, young girl to take on such a monumental task, so far out of her comfort zone…to raise the son of Almighty God; her willingness to be shamed, shunned, possibly even disowned by her family; to suffer through an illegitimate pregnancy and intense labor; to commit to a lifetime of self-sacrifice as the mother of the one sent here to die.
There was the determined commitment of Joseph to honor Mary and protect their sexual purity; to get them to Bethlehem safely; to find a safe place for Mary to give birth, no matter what--making the most of a bad situation; to get them out of harm’s way and on to Egypt safely.
There were the rejoicing hearts of Elizabeth and baby John when they saw the mother of their Lord approaching.
There was the joy of the angels who lit up the sky to announce Jesus’ birth. There was the wonder of the shepherds who couldn’t rush to the stable quickly enough to witness this miracle of the Messiah.
There were the awe-stricken Magi, traveling for months across the dry desert to bow the knee and worship their King with humble praise and extravagant gifts.
There was the evil jealousy of Herod whose selfish obsession with power blinded him to the miracle happening right in front of him.
There were the people of Bethlehem, so caught up in their own little worlds that they obliviously ignored and shut out the very one who came to rescue them.
There was new mother Mary, quietly pondering all these amazing happenings, storing them up like secret treasures in her heart. How overwhelmed she must have felt. How terrified she must have been. How thrilled and amazed she must have been! How humbled and honored she must have felt to be chosen for this extraordinary mission work!
And then there was Jesus: the Almighty, Sovereign, Omnipotent Creator of the universe who emptied Himself—stripped away His glory and majesty—in order to shrink Himself down, squeeze Himself into a tiny baby’s body, and save us from ourselves.
God WITH us.
Which character do you most resonate with? Where do you find yourself in this story?
Most importantly, what does this story teach you about God?
Finally, how will you respond to Jesus’ birth this year? Will you be a Bethlehem resident, turning a blind eye to the manger while you rush toward the gifts under the tree? Or will you be like Mary, taking time to ponder the wonder of our merciful God, then follow the Magi’s example to bow in humble surrender to our amazing King?
Worshipping in awe with you,
Shawna
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