People in the First Christmas Drama
What do you see in Christmas story–at the birth of our Savior, Jesus? Each of us can pick a favorite part. It involved all of these people and much more miraculous drama.
- Elizabeth recognized His divinity even while Jesus was in Mary’s womb and Elizabeth was filled with Holy Spirit when she saw her. Even the baby [John the Baptist] in her womb leaped. It is amazing to realize that Elizabeth was the first to acknowledge Jesus as the “Lord”–the promised Messiah–while He was yet unborn.
- Mary, a young virgin, believed and submitted to God’s plan for her life when the angel Gabriel told her the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and she would give birth to the Son of God. “Be it done unto me according to your word,” she responded.
- Joseph submitted to instructions from an angel who appeared to him in a dream. “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” So, he took Mary as his wife, but he kept her a virgin until after the birth of the Christ child. Mary travelled with him from Nazareth to Bethlehem because Caesar had ordered a census and Joseph was of the family lineage of David. Thus, Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
- The unnamed innkeeper, having no room, offered the Holy Family lodging in a stable or cave-like dwelling. So, when Jesus was born, He was placed in a lowly manger, a feed trough used for feeding animals. And He was wrapped in swaddling clothes.
- Shepherds heard the angels proclaim the good news followed by multitudes of heavenly hosts praising God. And they went with haste to see this baby for themselves. When they found Him, they went out and told others who were astounded and marveled at their news. Some biblical scholars think the shepherds were possibly the ones raising the most perfect lambs for temple sacrifice. And probably in same fields in Bethlehem where Ruth gleaned and met her Boaz. And where later her great-grandson David protected his flock. Shepherds who were used to caring for their sheep were among the first to see the Lamb of God.
- Anna, an 84-year-old widow and prophetess, waiting faithfully in the temple with prayers and fastings, saw a promise fulfilled and proclaimed the Messiah’s birth.
- Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms when His parents brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem, and he blessed God and prophesied to His mother. He recognized Jesus as the One who would bring salvation.
- Wise men (magi) some time after His birth, came from another country, followed a star until they came and saw the Child with Mary. Falling down in worship, s Him costly gifts. And being warned in a dream, they did not return to tell Herod they had found the promised Christ.
- Herod felt a threat and killed baby boys.
The “take-away” from the people in the first Christmas story can possibly apply to us. God can speak through a dream, an angel, a wiseman, a praying widow, a sweet husband-to-be, an older prophet, a hospitable innkeeper, or even an ordinary person tending the flock—going about business as usual. For nothing is impossible with God.
Our Father invites us to tell others the marvelous true Christmas story about the Messiah, the Son of God, our Lord, Savior, Redeemer. Let’s be faithful to do that this Christmas season and to keep alert to do what He asks of us individually
Scripture:
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB)
And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.” (Luke 1:46-49 NKJV)
For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37 NASB)
And the angel said to them [shepherds], “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 NASB)
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2 NKJV)
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