I've recently taken a break from my usual read-through-the-Bible programme to read through the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments that talk about Jesus' birth. In the busyness of this time of year it's lovely to be able to take some time to read over and reflect on the well-known passages once again. However, this time around, one of the things that has really struck me has been the response of each of the human characters scattered throughout the story.
Mary, who bowed to God's plan for her life despite all that it would mean.
Joseph, who did the honourable thing.
Elizabeth and Zechariah, whose son would go before to prepare the way.
Anna, who recognised the Baby as the Redeemer of Israel and wasn't afraid to tell of Him to everyone she met.
Simeon, who had been looking forward to Christ's coming and rejoiced to see it.
The shepherds, who immediately left their work to go find Him.
The wise men, who spent time and effort to find the Babe so that they could worship.
King Herod, who was not so much interested as he was terrified about how this birth could threaten his existence.
And the townspeople. Those who made room for Him and who came to pay homage. Wait, that didn't happen at all. No, most, if not all, continued on with their life as if nothing earth-shattering, life-changing, history-making, far-reaching, not to mention supernatural and never-before-known, had just occurred.
How many of these characters are like those we come across today? How many really care that the Son of God came down into a broken world to redeem us to Himself and then was practically ignored?
How many are like Herod who wanted to completely annihilate the existence of Christ because He threatened all that they hold dear?
How many are like the townspeople, the neighbours, perhaps even some were relatives, who just didn't care? Let them go about their own business and you go about yours but don't bother them with talk about Jesus?
How many are an Anna or Simeon who actually cared and understood?
Or shepherds, perhaps not fully understanding, yet had no choice but to worship regardless?
Or wise men, whose search for wisdom brought them to bow down at the feet of Jesus?
More importantly, this Christmas, which character in the story are you?
(Nativity scene crafted by my older granddaughters. Youngest grandchild - to date - in the manger.)
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