I had a conversation today about the way we resonate with different characters from the Christmas story, and it got me to thinking this may be an interesting idea to explore. So, who do you resonate with? Enjoy these scripture verses to encourage you.
- Are you Zechariah? Standing in fear of the Lord, usually behind the scenes excited to play even a small role in the story. Quick to pray for others behind closed doors and not one to speak until you are sure it’s the right time to say what you need to? Perhaps even doubtful from time to time?
Luke 1:11-20, 67-75
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” – James 1:19
- Are you Elizabeth? A deeply spiritual person who has no doubts in God’s capabilities? Are you raising a child or children to know Jesus? Do you trust that God will never forget about your faithful ways even when you aren’t necessarily a forerunner or leader in ministry?
Luke 1:6-7, 41-45
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:28-31
- Are you the Angel? Always quick to share the truth of the gospel to others? Perhaps willing to help someone understand the Bible in a better way, or even just grateful to explain how some of this ‘stuff’ works? Are you quick to tell the truth, even when it seems difficult or unexpected?
Matthew 1:18-23
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” – Psalm 105:1
- Are you Mary? Obedient, shy and gracious, always quick to think about the best for others. Do you find yourself willing to do what God calls you to do, no matter how uncertain you make feel, or how much others may think you are off your rocker? Do you look to God and His calling when unexpected moments happen? Above all else, do you trust God in the deepest of manners?
Luke 1:26-38, 46-55
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
- Are you Joseph? A person of integrity, anxious to do what is right both morally and by God’s principals? Do you listen for the guidance of God and act upon it even when you are afraid or think it may be way too difficult?
Matthew 1:24, 2:19-23
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” – Philippians 4:8
- Are you Herod? Rising to power in your own way, whether at work, home or in the community, even if you must do so in a cut throat way? Are you jealous when someone else may be better or do something more naturally then you? Does your anger and fear cause you to make poor choices even if it negatively influences other’s lives?
Matthew 2:1-3, 16-18
“You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” – James 4:2-3
- Are you a Shepherd? You have no relationship with God, but sometimes feel curious about who He may be? You wonder about this Jesus guy and why some people you know seem convinced his life and death will give you a ticket to heaven? Do you have no familiarity with a Bible at all, or perhaps think its complicated and hard to read? Does all of this confuse and intrigue you at the same time?
Luke 2:8-20
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” – Isaiah 55:6-7
- Are you like the Magi? Quick to offer service to God? Perhaps keeping busy doing things for your church in the hopes that you can serve and help others in gratitude for all that God has done for you? Do you often wonder what can you do next to help? What do you have to offer to the King of Kings?
Matthew 2:1-6, 9-12.
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” – Galatians 5:13-14
- Are you Simeon or Anna? Do you find yourself patient when you trust God to provide or to work out a scenario in the way He has promised? Are you quick to praise God no matter what the circumstances are? Are you wiser having walked a faithful walk for some time, cherishing the golden years knowing God isn’t done working through you yet?
Luke 2:25-40
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Thankfully Jesus had a purpose and a calling for each, just as he does for us today. God is never above loving a person regardless of what part of the story they fit in with. He doesn’t choose favourites and has designed each of us to be unique and to play distinct roles in a much bigger story. Jesus came for all, he doesn’t discriminate. No matter where you fit into the Christmas story and which character you see yourself as, know that Jesus values you.
May your heart be full of gratitude this Christmas as you reflect on the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ.
Guarded Hearts Ministries 