We are about to enter the most wonderful time of the year.
The combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas will have our hearts stirring and racing as we cook, shop, and celebrate. Before life gets completely out of control, let’s take a quick look at the main characters of the holidays to see what makes them stand out.
The COURAGE of the Pilgrims – even when it was scary. It took a gigantic leap of faith to step onto the Mayflower. A 66-day journey to a new world is hard to grasp. That day in 1620, 102 men, women, and children sailed from England for a new life. God still calls us to stand for what we believe in. Can we do it when we’re scared?
The COMPLETE SURRENDER of Mary – even when it would cost her everything. A young, poor teenager who was already engaged. Her simple life was turned upside down by the angel’s news. Yet, her answer was: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be as you have said,” Luke 1:38. It’s not so hard when God’s call only takes a small sacrifice. Mary surrendered everything.
The QUICK OBEDIENCE of Joseph – even when it wasn’t going to be easy. It was not at all what he had planned for his life. People would question his actions, his judgment, his sanity, but when God spoke, Joseph moved quickly. Lives depended on it. Do we obey quickly when God leads, or do we ponder and/or procrastinate? Let’s move this season and next at the speed of God.
The EXCITED EVANGELISM of the shepherds – even when it sounded crazy: angels appearing to them at work, good news for all mankind, a baby wrapped in cloth in a manger. Not just an ordinary night in Bethlehem. They couldn’t keep it in. Luke 2:17 tells us they told everyone they saw. May we have that same excitement as we share Jesus this Christmas.
Last one. The PERSEVERANCE of the wise men – even when they didn’t know how long their journey would take, they continued to search for the Messiah. Life can bring hardships that we must endure for a season. God will guide us through that valley, that tough part of our journey, just as He did for the stargazers in the Christmas story.
As we navigate this wonderful/crazy time of the year, I pray we will be courageous, surrendered, obedient, evangelistic, and persevering. And that God will use us to tell of His great love and most precious gift.