"Christmas Characters; Who Are You?"
(Unknown Author)
Christmas is almost here again. Will the birth of Jesus be
just another
celebration of a 2000 year old event?
The birth of Jesus is not merely an old historical event. It
is an every moment happening. It occurs every time we open ourselves and welcome
Jesus into ourselves. It occurs every time we recognize Jesus in the lives of
others around us. It occurs every time a non-Believer hears about Jesus.
Year after year we have been putting together the crib . . .
angels, lambs,
shepherds, etcetera to celebrate the event, but we have been
missing the most important of all . . . ourselves. For if we are not present at
the birth of Jesus, celebrating this event is empty and meaningless.
So which character do we find ourselves to be at the birth of
Jesus? Do we need to change our attitude, character and mind? Who are you at the
birth of Jesus?
ARE YOU:
~A "STAR"~
A bright light in a dark world, showing others where Jesus
Christ is through the way you live your daily life; a reflection of the light
that is Jesus Christ.
~AN "ANGEL"~
A messenger proclaiming the coming of Christ to those too
busy to notice it for themselves.
~A "SHEPHERD"~
They are busy tending their flocks, their families, too busy
to notice the heavenly event happening. They await a personal messenger to call
them to Jesus.
~A "SHEEP"~
Directionless, leaderless, busy grazing without a thought for
the future, blind to the wonders of God around them.
~A "WISE MAN"~
Travel long distances in search of Jesus, and finding Him,
place their most precious belongings as gifts before Him.
~AN "INN-KEEPER"~
Our hearts are full, our lives too busy, we have no room for
Him.
~A "HEROD"~
Living lavish lives we see Jesus as a threat to the
comfortable lives we lead. We are scared of the challenges He places before us.
~A "MARY"~
We humbly allow Jesus to be born through us, obediently
setting aside our own plans.
~A "JOSEPH"~
An active and willing supporter, happy to assist at the birth
of Jesus.
~AN "OX"~
Willing to share our meager accommodation with Jesus,
witnesses at His birth.
~A "DONKEY"~
Humbly willing to be used by those bringing about the birth
of Jesus.
Whatever your role in welcoming Christ into this world, do it
with a dedicated spirit! Let's put "ourselves" in the crib amidst the
sheep, shepherds and lambs.
Be a part of Christmas . . . celebrate His birth!
(Matthew 6:21 NIV) "For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also."
(Ephesians 1:18-19a NIV) "I pray
also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know
the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in
the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is
like the working of his mighty strength . . ."
"Love's Response"
(By Kitty Chappell)
He stood there in his soggy, smelly
diaper --
a helpless creature
reaching up to his father.
I marveled that anyone could love this
runny-nosed, candy-smeared,
tear-streaked being
enough to lift him up,
kiss him, and care for his needs.
I heard Your whisper, Lord.
And I remembered
how I came to You --
heartbroken and dirty
from playing in the world.
Thank You, Father,
for picking me up
and loving me
through my unloveliness.
When passing this item on to others, please include the
following information:
Thank you!
