Episode 70: The Christmas Story - Little Details & Great Reminders

I think its easy for us to recount the story of Jesus’ birth…kinda like we would any classic movie that the whole world knows about. But, in a way, I feel like so much of the awe and wonder is stripped away BECAUSE OF the familiarity we have with this story. If we take time to really stop and think about the details, it’s all pretty wild. CAN YOU IMAGINE?! Mary was likely a teenager. Engaged to Joseph. She had some serious explaining to do. Thank heavens God sent an angel to Joseph as well to confirm this miracle! Regardless… I think often of Mary’s situation. The fear of the unknown must have been staggering. Yet, this young woman said “yes”. In fact, she said more than just a simple yes. Let me read in Luke 1 vs 26-38 to give you the full picture. (This is the perfect place to pick up, too, since we just talked about John the Baptist and his mother, Elizabeth’s miraculous conception… Mary’s story picks up during the time of Elizabeth’s pregnancy! Remember, she’s Mary’s relative.) So here we go: And here’s the thing. Mary’s yes was just the beginning of the story. Luke 2:1-7 says: Now see? We don’t get all that in the typical Christmas story, do we? I truly believe if we took more time to examine the details, we’d be blown away at all of God’s handiwork. He is SO intentional. He’s so in the details. And I know I know… I didn’t touch on all the parts of the Christmas story today.. parts about King Herod and the Wise men. Parts about the star leading the way. Parts about gifts and dreams and prophecies.. But today, I wanted to take time to point to some of the smaller details. Today, I wanted to say that God see our heart posture. God blesses our obedience. Just like He knew Mary’s heart, He saw her obedience, and he blessed her because of it. He CHOSE HER FOR IT!! And here’s the other reminder: God reveals Himself in ways that are meaningful to US. Uniquely and specifically. Just like He did to the shepherds. Listen. God can reveal Himself to you. In dreams, visions, through other people… God works in unexpected ways. Heck, its the whole message behind this podcast! If he did it for those in the Bible, what makes you think He can’t do it for you, too? Maybe you won’t get an angelic appearance (and maybe you will…who am I to say you won’t?!) But you will always get an answer if you ask Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you. You’ll always get an answer if you have eyes to see and ears to hear, and a heart that will recognize God’s voice. This whole story may feel a little muddled to you today, but I pray that you’ll walk away remembering that God is looking at your heart posture. God wants your obedience so he can BLESS YOUR LIFE, and God can and will reveal Himself to you in a way that is special to YOU… if you ask Him to. Today, I thank God for sending His precious son. I’m thankful for the courageous “yes” of a teenage girl. The obedient heart of her fiancé to act in good faith. And mostly, I’m thankful for the life Christ came and lived. All so he could die for the sin of the world. All so that we may have hope. And as the angels sang.. “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.” That hope is here now. That peace is available to all today. Let this year’s Christmas story be one of little details and great reminders to say Yes to God…and be listening for His voice. May your Christmas be full of peace and joy and hope… of the goodness ahead. I love y’all. Merry Christmas and I’ll catch you in the new year…