Sometimes we might picture the story of Jesus’ birth as a simple event…a “silent night”, with the “lowly” shepherds and the “humble” manger. It can be easy to assume, since God ordained it, that everything just fell into place and everyone went along with their role without complaint. Yet, here’s the truth I sometimes forget about it all: Jesus was the only perfect person in this story.
Simple Christmas, Simply Human
Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year, for so many reasons! Yet, it always seems to go by too fast… before I know it, we’re taking down the tree and the lights, and saying goodbye to the decor until next year. The older I get, the more I crave simplicity. I desire a peaceful environment and days filled with intentionality and purpose – instead of random chaos. In recent years, I’ve brought this thinking into Christmas celebrations as well, trying to avoid overpacking our schedule, letting go of societal pressures and expectations, and focusing on enjoying the season of anticipation with my family.
While I think this is a helpful frame of mind, and cutting back on distractions allows us to better focus on Jesus, we also have to remember, that we’re human and live in a fast-paced world. We can’t always avoid stressful or chaotic circumstances. Sometimes I get down on myself when I become too busy or overwhelmed this time of year… “C’mon Tori, it’s all about Jesus, remember? Where’s your peace and joy?!”
Biblical Humanity
This week, I was reminded that the characters in the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth (besides Jesus himself) were merely human. They had sinned like you and I, and they experienced real human emotions throughout the story. Let’s take a look:
Luke 1:12 “And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him”
Luke 1:20 “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
*Okay, did you guys catch that? Zechariah was mute for Elizabeth’s entire pregnancy! Was this a punishment to Zechariah or a gift to Elizabeth? Jk…
“But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.” Luke 1:29
“In those days Mary arose and went with haste (hurried) into the hill country, to a town in Judah” Luke 1:39
“And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea” Luke 1:65
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.” Luke 2:9
“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” Luke 2:16
“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” Matthew 2:3
“But when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee” Matthew 3:22
Emotions Around Christ’s Birth
Throughout the story, we see human emotions such as fear and doubt. We also see people who are in a rush to get somewhere – not all peace and calm! Zechariah doubted, Mary was troubled, the shepherds feared, etc… and these accounts only touch on some of the feelings these people experienced.
Consider Joseph when he found out Mary was pregnant, before the angel cleared things up for him? What must he have been thinking/feeling…hurt, anger, confusion? What about Mary traveling so far riding on a donkey, being several months pregnant? Do you think she complained of being tired and uncomfortable? The weight of knowing she was carrying the Savior of the entire world had to put pressure on her. Do you think she became stressed or worried as the time got close and they couldn’t find a place to rest? The wise men probably felt immense fear of King Herod when they went against his wishes. He was not someone to be messed with!
The Right Hearts
Even though the individuals this first Christmas experienced less than ideal circumstances and an array of emotions, the people God chose to fulfill the prophecy were pure in heart. Luke starts out by telling us that Elizabeth and Zechariah were righteous before God.
Fear, doubt, and stress are all normal, but the focus is on their obedience and faith, despite the emotions.
-Mary could have hesitated or resisted when the angel told her what would happen (I think I would have!) Yet, she responded, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”
-Joseph could have left Mary, out of disbelief, or simply because he didn’t want other people to make assumptions about their situation. He listened to the angel and remained faithfully by her side.
-Elizabeth could have resented Mary, her much younger cousin, for becoming pregnant, when she had been longing for a baby for years. Instead, she conveyed pure excitement and felt blessed at the sight of her.
What Can We Learn From the Account of Jesus’ Birth?
Even the very first Christmas, there were tight schedules, chaos, danger, doubt, and fear… yet, there were also obedient hearts, belief, perseverance, joy, and hope.
As you celebrate Jesus’ birth this season, remind yourself that temporary moments of chaos and stress are normal. It doesn’t negate the hope this story brings.
-Humbly submit to the will of God, like Mary.
-Believe and be faithful, like Joseph.
-Be courageous and do what is right, like the wise men.
-Show selfless joy and kindness, like Elizabeth.
-Ponder and cherish these events of our Savior’s birth, like Mary.
"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19
Merry Christmas!
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