Picture taken by my adopted mom. Isn’t it beautiful?

Christmas time is such a lovely season. Last year at this time, every morning when I woke up, I would listen to the dramatized version of the book of Luke on my phone for about an hour. I haven’t listened to  it quite so much this year, probably because still haven’t been able to comprehend that Christmas is right around the corner.

I love the book of Luke! From the opening statements, I am not only fully immersed in the account, but even though I know what’s going to happen, I want to hear what they have to say next. 

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus,  that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.1

And then you get introduced to some of the main people who the account is about. I don’t know about you, but right away I can feel my heart going out to them. They have a problem that’s not likely to be fixed. Of course, this is only the start. God knew from the beginning of time what each and every one of us is going to go through, and while everything’s not going to be all fine and dandy in this lifetime, He really does have amazing plans for each and everyone of His children’s lives. 

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.3

Really, I could go on and on, but instead, why don’t you just check it out for yourself? This year, why don’t you read Luke with fresh eyes, with understanding. Seeing the people as they really are, real. These people went through struggles just like we do. They had thoughts, feelings, heartache. They had dreams and ambitions. 

Think about it, how would you respond in the different situations? Think of the huge, huge, huge change of plans so many of the people in this book had to go through. The way they had to put aside their own thoughts, schedules and ideals to do what God called them to do. And then think about how blessed we are for all eternity because of the events that took place. 

Put yourself in Elisabeth’s place. What would it feel like to have a dream you’d given up on suddenly spring to life? Put yourself in the Angel Gabriel’s place. What would it feel like to know your news was going to change the entire world forever and ever? What about Zacharias and Elisabeth’s neighbors? How strange would that be! What about Mary, her parents, Jospeh’s, his siblings… Allow yourself the time to soak in the account and realize how truly life-changing it is.

This is what Christmas is really about. God came to earth as a Man. He gave us the greatest gift and I am ever so thankful! 

The Bible is inspired by God and it’s powerful. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.2  Go and let it change your life!

This year I am reminded again at the huge blessing God gave us when He sent His Son to earth to become a man. This is truly a season to rejoice and delight in God’s goodness! 

What about you? Do you ever imagine yourself in these people’s places? 
What are you excited about this Christmas season?

1 – Luke 1:1-4 
2 – Hebrews 4:12
3 – Luke 1:5-7

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