It is a familiar story that I have heard all my life. I know all the players and their parts, and yet, this year I paused to look a little deeper into some of them and learned a few things in the process. The people of the Christmas story became palpable and more real to me as I gave them room to move about in my thoughts.
 
From Herod I learned what the depravity of sin will do to someone who assumes a position of absolute power. May I never allow myself to ascend the throne that rightfully belongs to the only true King of Kings.
 
From the Magi I learned that the heavens will declare the glory of God and that He is worthy to be pursued and praised. These Gentile wise men followed a star, never seen before or since, in order to bow low, kissing the ground before the newborn King of the Jews. Heartfelt, humbling adoration to the King of Kings. Would they find Him in a palace? Hardly. He would be found in the meager dwelling of an unpretentious couple. And yet, they bowed low in worship and gave Him gifts.
 
From the Shepherds I learned that God is mindful of the lowest of the low and blesses them with Good News of great joy. These hard-working caregivers of “not the smartest animals in the world” were filled with awe and amazement as they were visited at work by a heavenly host proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." The shepherd’s response after they found the baby Jesus in the manger reminds me to glorify and praise God for all that I have seen and heard to any and all I meet.
         
          From Mary I learned to receive the Word of God as a bond slave. Mary wholeheartedly and unreservedly allowed God to use her as a vessel for His glory, in spite of her fearful ponderings.  She never could have imagined what Simeon’s prophecy about “the sword piercing her own soul” would mean for her, but she knew that God’s grace would be there when she needed it. Mary reminds me to look to God for help because nothing will be impossible with Him. May I respond to God as she did, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.”
           
           
 The Christmas season comes and goes so quickly. Do you often feel as though you’re missing it? Step out of the relentless stream of busy-ness and dwell on God’s Word. Give time, with unhurried ears and eyes, to see and hear His loving instruction through the echoes of Bethlehem grace.
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​Do you struggle with the joyful anticipation of out-of-town guests and the necessary preparation that is required for them to stay in your home? I have to be honest and say, “Yep! That’s me!” Add to that a recent move and trying to get settled while making our place homey and festive and I confess, I had to ask the Lord to make room in my heart to receive this arrival of loved ones despite any sacrifice I have to make.
 
Advent is a time of anticipation when we await the coming of Jesus. It is a time of preparation in heart and mind for the arrival of the Word of God made flesh. The prophets foretold His coming, though.
 
A young Jewish teenager named Mary was given an announcement of a long expected visitor which required a tremendous sacrificial response on her part. With just one simple question about how God would bring this incarnation about, Mary was already prepared to receive the Word of the Lord. She believed what the prophets had written about the Messiah, so long ago.
 
What would happen between The Prophecy, and The Fulfillment, was unforeseen on Mary’s part but fully known to God. She only knew that God is good and that what He does is good. Her heart was prepared to receive the seed of the Word and willing to wait upon the Lord to perform His good work in and through her. Mary’s faith actively trusted God to fulfill His will and in her believing, she received.
 
Do we really believe that what God says He will do?
Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
Tuning our ears to hear God’s still small voice and immersing ourselves in the written Word of God regenerates our minds and cultivates faithful fruit from our hearts.
 
Are we actively trusting Him to perform His will in us?
Ps 37:3-5 “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.”
Trust God, right where you are. He is Faithful and True to His Word. He doesn’t need circumstances to change before He can work His will in and for you. It is in and for you and through you that He works His will, for His glory.
 
Exalt the Lord and rejoice in your Savior! God has done great things for you who have believed!