God's plan fulfilled as he had willed, then came the Christ on earth
The star so bright in deepest night foretold His blessed birth.
The angel's throng with joyous song appeared to shepherds meek
The angel's word the shepherds heard then went they forth to seek.
The blessed Child so meek and mild at Bethlehem they found,
In manger low where cattle low and sheep did gather round.
In swaddling clothes there to repose and lying on the hay
What glorious sight in that dark night where Christ the Saviour lay!
From lands afar led by the star the wisemen came to see
The Saviour King rich gifts they bring for Christ's nativity,
This story sweet I would repeat and praise Him with my voice.
For he who finds Christ's peace of mind he cannot but rejoice.
One of the things that I've been pondering in the Christmas season is how each person in the Christmas story felt. Each of them, though they may have been scared, carried out their part to the best of their abilities. God gave them each a special part to play in the story, and they each did their job. Here are some of my thoughts on the people that played parts throughout the Christmas story.
Zechariah and ElizabethWe've all read the Christmas story, so I won't bother to brief you on the obvious parts. We know that Zechariah doubted the angel--Gabriel--and thus lost his ability to speak until after John was born. If you were in his shoes, would you have doubted? Most likely. Elizabeth was rather old, probably about ninety, which is well past the age that women are able to give birth. What did she feel like? Was she scared? Did she feel proud that her son would prepare the world for Jesus?
Mary and JosephFrom what I've read, Mary was probably only about thirteen or fourteen when she was engaged to Joseph. That's about my age. It wasn't very odd for girls her age to be married and have children at that time, but when she was found to be pregnant, it was a huge shock. That didn't happen before marriage then. I remember reading that often, pregnancy before marriage meant stoning--sometimes to the death. How would you feel if that happened to you? I'm guessing that she was pretty scared about what was happening. She may have lost her friends, and even Joseph wasn't sure he still wanted to marry her.
What about Joseph? It must have been hard for him, too. To announce that the woman you're engaged to is pregnant was a huge shame. It took a huge amount of faith for him to trust the angel and still marry her.
The WisemenI'm not sure that just a whole lot is known about the wisemen. We know that they were wise (hence the name wisemen *grin*) and studied the stars. When they saw the star, something impelled them to follow it. Apparently, they assumed something great be at place that the star led them to. What was it like for them to reach their destination and find an innocent little baby? Could it have been slightly disappointing, as they may have been expecting some great king?
The ShepherdsAgain, I don't think a whole lot is known specifically about the shepherds. What do we need to know, though? They were shepherds out watching their sheep, and a multitude of angels appeared. Did that great sight frighten them? I'm sure it did. As with the wisemen, though, when they reached the stable, they found an innocent little baby. Was that disappointing for them, or did they simply trust God with His plan? Were they, like the wisemen, expecting a mighty king? Had they even heard of God before they saw the angels?
Considering what each of these people were thinking makes them seem more real to me. It also helps me realize how huge God's plan really is. If even one of these people would have rebelled against His plan, what would have happened?
This reminds me that no matter what God leads me to do in my life, He has a completely perfect plan.
As you enjoy your Christmas day, time with family or friends, and giving (and/or receiving) gifts, remember to thank God for His perfect plan.
Merry Christmas!
xo,
Rebekah