"Christmas Characters; Who Are You?"
(author unknown)

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 . . ."