As an author, I love characters. Not just in fiction, but in reality. Have you contemplated the various characters – and the lessons they can teach us – in the Christmas story? This Christmas, may we all have…
 

• The COURAGE of Mary, who embraced God’s calling on her life, in spite of personal risk and the social stigma that being an unwed mother would bring. (Luke 1:26-56)
• The FAITH of Joseph, who believed the impossible – that Mary was pregnant by a supernatural act of God and had not betrayed him. (Matthew 1:18-25)
• The JOY of the shepherds, who heard the birth announcement and immediately left their flocks to see what God had done for them. (Luke 2:8-20)
• The SACRIFICE of the wise men, who spent years seeking the Savior. Such a journey must have been quite costly, not to mention that they lavished expensive gifts on Jesus, yet we see them respond with great joy. (Matthew 2:1-12)
• The BOLDNESS of Simeon, who saw an infant, knew who Jesus was, and prophesied the words the Spirit of God gave him. (Luke 2:25-35)
• The DEVOTION of Anna, who stayed at the temple day and night to worship God, saw Jesus, and told everyone about the newborn Savior. (Luke 2:36-38)

There are also warnings in the lives of characters. May we not follow in the footsteps of…

• Herod, who was threatened by the birth of the Messiah and viciously slaughtered many infants and toddlers in his attempt to kill the Son of God. (Matthew 2:3-8, 16-18) We, too, can be threatened by who Jesus is and the impact His Lordship will have on our lives. 
• The Pharisees and religious leaders, who heard that the Messiah had come and had all the right answers, yet failed to recognize or appreciate the miracle in front of them. (Matthew 2:4-6)  We, too, can have all the right answers, yet still miss the truth of who Jesus is and how we need to receive Him. 

That first Christmas literally changed the world, yet we often rush through the Christmas season, trying to cram just one more thing into already busy schedules. Join me in purposefully slowing down and focusing on what really matters – Jesus. How would He have you celebrate Christmas?