The birth of Christ is the most well-known and celebrated story, through the prophetic anticipation of our savior to the miraculous entry into the world. The sweet simplicity of the manger and humility with which God delivers His Son brings forth the foundation and stage for the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. There is magic and wonder in angelic hosts opening up skies and a star so bright it guided many across the land to kneel down in praise of the newborn King. The Christ-Child is born and to this day, His Name brings forth a resounding Hallelujah!
This season awakened in me, a new perspective surrounding the Christmas Story. Have you ever taken a deeper look into what this tale really tells? Each character in this drama, may reflect each one of us- through generations and history, the Christmas Story is still living on in the lives of us all.
Did God place these people perfectly in this profound birth for a reason?
There is significance in each person that played a part in the coming of Christ and perhaps we each have our own role in the same story, thousands of years later. Are we those same characters? Do you see the traits of any of these people in you? In someone you know? Maybe God was sharing with us through His Son’s birth, a story much bigger than the illuminated eve of the Christ Child. Could it be, that within the pieces and parts of the plot-
He was showing us what role we would play?
Perhaps each person is placed by God to show us the trails and trials He calls us all through for His Kingdom. Each one picked so carefully as they play a significant role in God’s Plan.
Mary…
The courage and faith it took for her to allow God to use her in the most miraculous way. The conviction she must have pulled from the depths of her heart to see it through. The path she chose to take in honoring His Call was one of trepidation and fear. God chose her to be the miraculous mother of Christ, playing her holy part in history. She was called and she responded with bold faith… living out her purpose for her God.
She was just a girl, in love. And she was chosen. God chose her to be part of His Plan.
Trusting. Faithful. Obedient. Sacrificial. Courageous. Her path was terrifying, excruciating, tumultuous, and glorifying.
Is our path much like Mary’s? Are we faced with unbelievable news and are we brave enough to move forward with faith?
Joseph…
A man who is told something unreal and impossible to believe. This man who in the face of the world’s winds of rules and culture and community, took on a message and carried it fully in the name of God. He risked his life and his love, to carry out God’s Divine assignment. He believed Mary. He trusted God’s purpose and stepped into God’s Plan with only faith as his armor and strength. He stood alongside Mary in carrying out the ordinance of delivering God’s only son. He boldly took the message of God, and carried the burden of a woman with child for the sake of eternal hope.
He was just a boy in love with a girl. And God chose Him to be part of His Plan. God called him, and he responded with bold faith, living out his purpose for his God.
Loyal. Committed. Faithful. Strong. Courageous. His road was burdened, changed, challenged and lifted into history.
Is our road the same as Joseph’s? Are we faced with unthinkable decisions and unfathomable futures? Do we trust in God’s guidance for our lives?
The Shepherd…
Just a lowly hard working servant, living out his life in the field. A position that doesn’t bring integrity, and yet it is critical to the culture in tending the sheep. His job is significant, and yet not dignified. He labors all day and night tending to the flock, with little pay and esteem. He does his work quietly, and doesn’t mind the dirt or the grime or being isolated from the mainstream. He carries out his purpose tirelessly without a question or a sigh. He isn’t anyone special, one of many. This is his place in time, and he is committed to the harsh land and life.
He was just a hard working, lowly shepherd. God chose him to be part of His plan.
Why on earth would the angel come to the Shepherds in the field? I would think the announcement of Christ’s birth would be better served elsewhere, wouldn’t you? What is so special about these guys? And the heavenly hosts announced the greatest news on earth to them. The message of the Lord was spoken in illuminating light on these dirty tired men.
Sacrificial. Serving. Humble. Scared. Hardworking. Unnoticed. Chosen. Their life forever changed when God opened up the skies for them.
Do we labor tirelessly and sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our work, whatever that may be? Do we feel ‘unnoticed’? Does God choose us?
The Three Kings…
Ah… Royalty. I can picture the Magi making the trek across the vast desert to see for themselves, the Christ Child. They came from prestige and power. What I can’t imagine is how they were able to understand the significance of this birth. They didn’t need anything more in their lives. They lived far away in their own land and had their own dignity to deliver to their people. And yet? They stopped their high life of comfort and wealth to travel the harsh terrain to meet the true King. Perhaps they realized that the light of this world didn’t come from their garnished robes or jeweled crowns. They sacrificed their days of freedom and bountiful feasts while they journeyed in search of their true Messiah.
They were men of power and royal riches. God chose them to be a part of His Plan. They honored His call.
Wealthy. Rulers. Majestic. Powerful. They left their possessions and followed His Star in search of significance and hope.
Are we full of riches and power, perched on our own thrones? Have we opened our lives to the light of our true King? Perhaps we may sacrifice our riches and worldly roles in search for the gift and hope in Christ.
The Inn Keepers…
The Inn Keepers had no room, but they offered what they had. It wasn’t glorious and even acceptable, but in doing so- they allowed Heaven’s Doors to open and pour God’s Grace on the world.
Such A busy hectic time for them, as people crowded the city for the census. The Inn Keepers were inundated and surely stressed from the frantic fury swirling all over town. Who would receive the knock on the door and open it to see Divinity in the midst of the madness?
Just one busy servant. Tired and overwhelmed from the chaos of his job and the unending needs of the travelers. He held the key to all of our hearts, when he was faced with a choice that most would turn down.
Too busy, too full, too tired and overwhelmed to see the highest need. The Inn Keepers rejected the most precious gift of Peace not knowing what they missed. As hectic days can do, they were simply too distracted to care for His Call.
And yet, one heart, tender enough to sacrifice more for the weary. He offered safe solace to struggling strangers, no matter the cost. He granted the Prince of Peace a room in his place, unaware he was hosting Heaven’s Kingdom coming.
Overwhelmed. Busy. No time or space for others. OR Pressure, Stressed, Divine Discernment, Priorities in place.
Are we too busy to make room for God’s Plan? Are we opening our homes and our hearts to His Call? Which Inn Keeper are we?
The Angel…
Ah the angel… the heavenly hosts that exude light and hope of Christ’s coming. They create fear and awe because of their Holy voices that proclaim truth and exalt His Name. They bring the message of God’s Plan and open the Heavenly gates to God’s Grace. Angels are often God’s messenger of love, of hope, of help. They bring light to those in darkness, and they serve those in need. The Angels’ brightness and radiating beams bring forth God’s greatest work. The Angels appear to open hearts and fill them with encouragement, guidance, comfort and God’s glorious gift. They are chosen to deliver the message of His Love and His Mercy.
The Angel’s role still shines in all places. Have you been shaken and shifted into His Light by an Angel? Have you been carried and lifted into the arms of God by His Heavenly helpers? I believe their Holiness surrounds us, through the hearts He leads in this land. I have been touched and gifted by many earthly Angels in this life. I wonder if God has used me in this way too.
Encourager, Peacemaker, Healer, Illuminating God’s Light, Messenger, and Glorious Grace giver.
Do we shine His Light in the darkness? Do we share His Good News? Do we radiate peace, love and mercy? Do we serve those in need?
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Maybe the picture of the Christmas Story really portrays the story of us. Whether we are robed in royalty and stand in mighty majestic courts, or labor tirelessly in the vast and visceral fields. Whether we are simply a boy or a girl placed in a town trying to abide by its rules…
We are all somewhere in the harsh terrain of the land, beckoning the guiding light and the angels’ voices to lead us to the light of our Savior. And despite the cruel intention of the wicked, who try to thwart God’s Plan, much like Herod-
There He is…
Humbly lying in the hay awaiting our arrival. Innocent and perfect. Who will kneel at His side and bow down to receive His Holy undying merciful love?
He is still waiting.
What role will we play on the world’s stage? I believe we all have a significant part after all. Follow that road to Bethlehem, though the terrain is tough.
Be bold, courageous, sacrificial, serving, encouraging, inviting, trusting, merciful, strong, faithful, hard working, humble, wise, and obedient to His Call.
The story isn’t over, yet.
What a beautiful account. I believe I am probably the innkeeper, and hopefully, more than not, the one who offered space to Joseph and Mary. It’s how we treat everyone that counts.
I will say that you’ve been an angel in my life, Chris, and I’m quite grateful for you.
Merry Christmas.
Oh Eli! You just brought me to tears…
Thank you, for blessing me SO much with your precious words.
You are surely the gracious Inn Keeper… with a heart of GOLD. <3
Pretty certain I’m the donkey 🙂
Not a major player in the story; often mischievous or obstinate and a bit slow to catch on, but in the end, THERE, and somehow in spite of ‘monsterous head and sickening cry, and ears like errant wings – the devil’s walking parody on all four-footed things’, a little bit integral – good at getting things done, and a comfort and support to those who need it.
You are more than the Donkey, ya goofball!!! You are more than just being THERE. And I challenge you to look deeper into your life and your heart and find EACH of these characters in YOU. And then find them all in your life as well, my lovely Lizzi.
MWUAH!!!!!!!
Hee Haw. 😉
Oh I recognised most of them in me, no worries there. Mostly the Innkeeper who is too busy with his own agenda to listen to God. (obstinate), the shepherds who get on with life, unclean, unwanted but still trying to make the best of things and support others (outcast), and perhaps a little of the Mary and Joseph – disbelief, shock at being wanted, and uncertain of my role, questioning how I can possibly be any good at it (stubborn).
I still think the donkey sums me up nicely though. A long-term favourite poem of mine is The Donkey by G.K. Chesterton:
When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born.
With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
On all four-footed things.
The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.
Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.
I am that beautiful letdown – created in strife and lies and pain – forged in depression and darkness and broken by ill-treatment, but in the end, redeemable – yes, even me, of whom no-one can (at times) have a lower opinion than I do. Chosen. On Purpose. And given a perfect task.
Wow. That was amazing. Powerful. And really? My favorite part…
“I am that beautiful letdown – created in strife and lies and pain – forged in depression and darkness and broken by ill-treatment, but in the end, redeemable – yes, even me, of whom no-one can (at times) have a lower opinion than I do. Chosen. On Purpose. And given a perfect task.”
Sooooo….I get to be the donkey as long as I explain myself? 😉
Aww, Chris I honestly never would have dug this deep and yet you made me a believer and your thinking on the Christmas Story truly makes perfect sense. So can’t thank you enough my friend for this!!
Thank you so much dear friend!! You are such a beautiful encourager to me! I hope you had a beautiful and BLESSED Christmas and the very best to YOU for the New Year! MWUAH!!
What a beautiful post. I have never thought about the Christmas story with this perspective of finding ourselves in it, but wow, you are so right. We are all in it somewhere. Amazing!
Oh Rachael, I’m SO glad you came by to take this in! I had never thought about it this way either, until I was reading the story to the teens I lead at church and it hit me. I started a process of discovery and insight that truly had an impact on us all- and I’m certain it was spirit led, because I had no plans but to read the story with my kids! I love it when that happens… I’m still dwelling on this message and praying about who I want to be in the new year!
Blessings and love in 2015!
This should be published. It is that insightful and beautiful! I will have to think about this for awhile. Reread. I’d love to make it a Christmas devotional to read to everyone! You are so wise!! Merry Christmas and hope you are pain free and mobile soon!
Oh Karmen!! Thank you SO much for your precious encouragement!! I was leading my teens in reading the Christmas story and I impulsively had this idea- and led them through each character and their traits and this idea just kept unfolding into more revelations. I have wondered who else has thought of it this way- for I never have read or seen it shared. I’m sure it’s ‘out there’- but this was truly a spirit led insight for me. I am SO glad you came by to take it in. I kept praying for God to lead people to read it, who may be blessed by its message.
I still think about it… and I will be writing about my New Year hopes and challenges with these characters. 🙂
I miss you terribly! I hope you had a beautiful Christmas, despite the construction? 2015 we WILL MEET!!
You are definitely an angel, Chris. You radiate light even when you don’t feel it yourself. That’s a gift that shouldn’t be squandered, and you never do. I’m thankful for that. I’d like to think I’m the innkeeper who opens her heart, who has her priorities in line. I certainly try.
Merry Christmas to you and your family – keep healing!
Oh Dana… I read your comment at the ‘perfect’ time, and I want you to know that it lifted me and blessed me more than you can imagine. I still tear up reading it again now…
I love that you are truly an Innkeeper- you always open your heart and your priorities are absolutely in line. You inspire me. XO
What a powerful post, Chris. Such beautiful perspective. And you always make me think a little deeper. Love you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much, dear friend. It means SO much to me that you take it all in… you are always my encouragement and affirmation of my words- ya know that?
I love you. 2015. BRING IT!
Sadly, I don’t know – if anything I feel like I might be the innkeeper these days.
I hope you had a good Christmas even with your pain!!
Hugs to you, Chris!!!
Well, ya kinda are! Hee hee. (The Innkeeper, get it?)
I miss you Kim! I am so anxious to get back into blogging… I am slowly starting to at least take tiny steps. I hope you had a beautiful Holiday season, my sweet friend!! Here’s to 2015! Lets journey through it together. 🙂
this needs to go viral! I think you’re an angel. I want to be but I may be more of a donkey like Lizzi!
Or an innkeeper..
First of all, I miss you so much. Second of all, I love you so much. Third of all, I really dreamed of it to go viral, just for the sake of the message and how hard I worked on it!! lol Fourth-ly? YOU are not an ass. 🙂 You remind me of the kings… not because of some royal flashy-ness but because of your gifts… that you would travel that far to give of yourself because of who you are. Your gifts are powerful, and you give them freely for all to receive. And you give them humbly, like the majestic kings bowed down to Christ. There is greatness in the kings and their gifts. And a clear message of humility. That is beautiful. Much like you.
I always wanted to know more about the Innkeeper. Perhaps the most over-looked character in the story; but yet I think the most relateable to our busy, hectic, over-crowded lives. Will WE make room for Christ amidst all the other “busy” of our lives? It gets me every time.
Me too… me too. And I am always convicted of all the people I ‘choose’ to neglect that cross my path or that God clearly lays on my heart- because I just don’t have the energy or time. Oh, the Innkeeper…
I’ve missed you lately Chris! Your writing always brings something special to me. I took a little time off this month for family, home,… I’m feeling like the innkeeper lately, like I’m supposed to be opening up my home to more, possibly even foster care. My preacher recently did a series on the characters of Christmas. I absolutely love your take on it here. I hope you are feeling better and healing in all areas, my friend!
Oh how I miss you too Candace! I’ve been ‘off’ for some time due to the aftermath of this painful surgery/recovery. I wondered if anyone else had looked at the Christmas story in this way- I figured many have- but just didn’t know. It was a late night revelation for me- after I led my youth group to look deeper into these characters on an impulse while reading the story. Amazing how that happens. My teens did a video that was amazing, showing many ‘cameos’ of each person sharing who these characters are in their own lives. It was beautiful. I was SO proud of them!
I have goosebumps. What an incredible way you have laid out the journey of what Christmas truly was supposed to be. All of us have a Mary, Joseph and an Inn keeper residing within us. I guess we have to choose which one gets shown. Thanks for this
Oh Kerri, I love how you put that! I’m so so glad you came by to read this. God bless you this New Year! I am going to challenge myself to be ALL of these characters… hopefully my New Year’s Post will be written soon. It’s a bit difficult these days. 🙁
Wow!!! Such a powerful message. I think I relate to the Shepherd. I am just an ordinary person, going through life, doing what I can for my Lord. I am a behind the scene person, more comfortable not being seen, just doing what I can, and no big “fuss”. But, like the Shepherd, God has given us all a work to do. Some are needed in every area of God’s work, we just need to find our position to do the best.
I would like to share this at church, if you would allow me.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, Janice! The body of Christ has so many valuable people with various gifts and each one of so very needed! I’m so glad you enjoyed this message and I love how you relate to the Shepherd. I’d be honored if you shared this at church. God bless you!