Christmas Stories

As a child, I greatly anticipated the TV specials of December. Of course, there was Rudolph and Frosty; Charlie Brown and the Grinch...and perhaps my most favorite of all...Nester, the Long-Eared Donkey.

As I got a bit older, I was introduced to the holiday movie classics. I was mesmerized by "White Christmas." I was taken by the idyllic lives portrayed...the singing, dancing, and romance. I met Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" and learned lessons in the joy of giving. Later I was introduced to George Bailey and his hometown of Bedford Falls. I empathized with his seemingly unmet dreams and celebrated his wonderful life.

Fast forward all these many years, and I find that the TV specials and movies of my childhood are the classics which have become tradition in my own family. Oh, and of course there's the modern classic, "Elf," which is one of the most frequently quoted movies in our home. We love to pop a batch of popcorn, make up a tray of nachos, and gather in front of the TV to enjoy one of these favorite holiday classics. The stories are familiar. They make us laugh and remember and feel good.

But as much as I love the tradition of these fictional stories, there's a story of another kind that God is pressing deeply on my heart this season. It's familiar...it's beautiful...but it doesn't necessarily make me feel good. In fact, it makes me squirm a bit.

It's the true story of a young virgin named Mary who received an unexpected visit from an angel named Gabriel. If receiving a visit by an angel weren't enough, the angel carried with him life-altering news that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would give birth to the Son of God. I try to wrap my brain around this...to place myself in this young woman's position. But then the story goes even further...

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." Luke 1:38

Mary accepted the angel's explanation. She was satisifed with it. She surrendered to it. She obeyed.

And so I'm left asking myself..."Do I gladly embrace God's Word? Do I readily accept His will, even when I don't understand? Do I joyfully surrender to and obey His call?" While I wish I could say "yes," far too often, the answer is "no." I argue and complain and make excuses; I justify and whine and fight for my own way.

And so this Christmas season, I thank God that His Story...His Word...is alive and true. He uses it to convict, rebuke, and challenge me. He uses it conform and transform me to look more like Him. And I join Mary in her song,

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Luke 1:46b-47