(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Dec. 17, 2015) We know every role in the Christmas pageant. The young woman is Mary, who stands before Gabriel—dressed in white, of course. Joseph, for some reason, looks much older than his wife. We recognize the shepherds by their rugged clothing. We watch for the kings to arrive in their bejeweled crowns and lavish robes.
Those familiar with The Gospel of Luke may remember the extra characters that might not appear in the annual production: Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna.
The original Christmas cast is somewhat different than our renditions. Between the two accounts* of Luke and Matthew, we find the details of these people God chose to welcome Jesus—the central figure in this drama.
The nativity story began with the priest, Zechariah, and his wife, Elizabeth, “both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments…” The angel Gabriel appeared to him with amazing news: the aged but childless couple will have a son who will prepare people’s hearts for the Lord.
Gabriel was later dispatched with another birth announcement, this one to a virgin, Mary, who “found favor with God.” She humbly accepted the impossible-sounding message: “…let it be to me according to your word.”
Mary traveled to visit her relative, Elizabeth, who, six months pregnant, sensed something greater at hand than her own miracle.Elizabethsaid to Mary, “blessed is the fruit of your womb!”
Joseph, “a just man,” obeyed the angel’s instructions given in a dream. He dropped his plan to quietly reject Mary, took her as his wife, and called her son the name given by Gabriel.
Shepherds in a field were the first to receive the good news: “…born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” As they listened to the angel’s directions, a “multitude of the heavenly host” appeared, glorifying God and proclaiming, “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”
The shepherds “went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” They began to share the news with others.
Matthew reported “wise men from the east” (two or more, we do not know). They likely risked their reputations by seeking the one “born king of the Jews.” They brought costly gifts to honor the ruler they believed would come from Bethlehem, as the prophet Micah had foretold.
At the temple inJerusalem, Mary and Joseph received further confirmation of the angel’s words. A “righteous and devout” man, Simeon, found the family and took the child in his arms. He blessed God, saying, “Lord…my eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to your people Israel.”
Anna came over too. The elderly widow who stayed at the temple “worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day” instantly recognized the child. She “began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
All of those chosen characters in God’s Christmas production clearly had one thing in common. They all anticipated the coming of a Savior.
Gabriel said of Jesus: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
John 3:16 reveals further good news: “…that whoever believes in [the Son] should not perish but have eternal life.”
We, too, can join the cast of God’s epic story.
*English Standard Version (ESV) quotes come from: Luke 1:6-42; 2:10-38; and Matthew 1:19-25; 2:1-11
By Blue Ribbon News guest columnist Patti Richter of Heath. Read her Good Faith columns at BlueRibbonNews.com.
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