Christmas is the time we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ birth in the world. I think most of us are very familiar with the Biblical story of Christmas. And in case some are not sure of where to find this in the Bible, we can find one version in Luke 2:1-20 NIV. Each of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) recounts the story of Jesus’ birth. But what additional faith lessons can we learn from this story?
Lessons from Christmas
This month, I’m doing a devotional series that looks at some other lessons we can learn from Christ’s birth. For the next couple of weeks, we will look at the story of Christmas through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” For today’s post, we will look at faith’s role in the Christmas story.
Mary’s Story
Let’s begin when the angel appears to Mary to announce her role in the birth of Jesus. Mary’s response to the angel (also called the Magnificat) appears in Luke 1:46-55 NIV. So, try to picture the scene: a young girl (estimated to be as young as 14 by some experts) who just found out she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. So many questions must whirl around in her mind. What will Joseph think? What will my friends and family think? Do I want the responsibility to raise such a unique child, or am I even qualified?
Mary’s Faith
Mary’s faith became clear with the first words she uttered after the announcement, “46 And Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” I am amazed by her faith in this situation. How would you react to such news? For me, I think I might cry first as I ponder all the implications. Or, I think I might be more like Sarah when the angels told her she would be pregnant in her old age, and she laughed in disbelief (Genesis 18:12 NIV).
Joseph’s Faith
Although we don’t know much about Joseph’s initial response to the news, his faith is still clear as we read on. And, as Mary explained the situation to Joseph, we learn he did not want to expose Mary to public shame, so he considered sending her away quietly (Matthew 1:19-21 NIV). Did Joseph believe Mary’s story? Then, an angel appears to Joseph to confirm the news, and he accepted Mary as his wife. Joseph’s deep belief in God allowed him to have confidence in Mary’s amazing story of a virgin conception. Joseph believed in the Old Testament words of Isaiah 7:14 NIV, “Behold! The virgin will conceive and will give birth to a son, and they will call his name ‘Immanuel.’” I pray we can all find this kind of faith in all circumstances.
More Faith
Other characters in this story also show us their faith through their actions. The wise men’s faith drove them forward on a long journey that lasted for many years, just to see this newborn king. They wanted to worship Him and present Him with gifts. Would my faith be deep enough to follow a star for years? Another example comes from the shepherds in the fields, tending their flocks. They leave their sheep behind because of the words of a choir of angels. Their faith propels them onward to see the babe in a manger. Would my faith be blind to seeing or believing the angels?
Going Deeper
The Christmas story announces the birth of our Savior, but it also provides us a glimpse of the faith of each participant. Their faith encourages us to keep our minds open to the mysterious works of the Lord. The baby in the manger leads us to the cross of salvation and teaches us to believe in miracles, all to help us grow in faith. I pray we can learn to be more faithful, like the people in the Christmas story. Join me next week as we look at the lesson of hope we can find the birth of Jesus.
Heavenly Father. Thank you for the lessons of faith we learn about the birth of Jesus. Help us seek this kind of deep faith so that we may follow you all the days of our lives. Teach us your ways. Forgive us for the times we make Christmas about us instead of about the gift of Your Son, our Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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