Have you ever been in the presence of someone or read something about what someone did and find yourself really impressed? When an athlete, for example, doesn’t just spout off religious cliche’s but his/her life and demeanor show him/her to be sincere; I’m impressed. When someone stands up for something they believe in, regardless of the trolls and media backlash (I can think of a few examples right now); I’m impressed. When a young person refuses to give into the pressure of his/her peers and stands for truth; I’m impressed. I could go on, but you can get my drift, and I’m sure can think of some examples of your own.
So much about the Christmas story impresses me. A few examples are the number of players involved like the shepherds, the wise men, the innkeeper, Herod, etc. But what really impresses me are three people in the cast of many.
First and foremost: Jesus. The whole story is about Him. It is about God becoming flesh in the form of a baby in a feeding trough. I’m impressed.
Second: Joseph. Put yourself in his place. He is in love with a young woman. A teenager. He, if he is like other men in his culture, would have begun preparing a place for them to live in. Then he finds this young girl is pregnant and it is not his. His inclination was to divorce her-“put her away.” (They were considered “married” in their culture). But a dream changed all that. And Joseph woke up from the dream determined to take this young girl as his wife and raise the child that was not his. I’m impressed.
Third (and you probably guessed) is Mary. A young girl “living the dream.” Being in love with a man who will take care of her for the rest of their lives. Her story is told over and over, but let’s not forget her response. I wrote about this on December 10th. Surprised by the angel Gabriel that she would bear a child and it was from the Holy Spirit. She would be the mother of the promised Messiah. Her response? “I’m yours. Have it your way.” I’m impressed.
How can you not read the Christmas story account and not be impressed by the response of the different players, especially these three. How can we stay unfazed as though nothing happened? I would say we can’t. I think if we are unfazed by it all then we need to check our hearts and revisit the story again.
What do you think?
I’m impressed by exactly the same things you are when it comes to the Christmas story, Bill. It’s all about obedience to God, not bowing to the cultural norms of the day. This is truly a story that we need to cherish and hold close in our hearts.
Blessings!
Three people all obedient. What a great example for all of us! Thanks Martha.
Truly one the most captivating and loving story’s ever told. I cannot imagine the emotional thoughts, the overwhelming joy plus fear as Mary and Joseph held the Savior of the world in their arms. Thinking for a short while we are responsible to care for and protect our Savior. Swaddling the baby Jesus in your arms, every time I think about that it brings tears to my eyes.
I’m with you Gail. Anyone who doesn’t sense a bit of sensitivity for the situation and the ONE they are holding is the Savior of the world needs a heart check.