You Have A Part to Play

 

It has become a special tradition at our house to participate in the living nativity at my church. Hundreds of us dress up and play a role in the most incredible recreation of 1st century Bethlehem. There are bakers, carpenters, goldsmiths, healers, wine makers, pressers of olive oil, cheese makers, fire keepers, rabbis, shepherds, wise men, donkeys, camels, powerful Roman soldiers, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. It is a marvelous sight to behold. This year my family were potters making oil lamps with clay. This was the first year my son Charlie could don the 50 pound Roman soldiers regalia, with sword and shield.

 

 

 

We each have a role to play in the eternal Christmas story that God is writing and directing. Who have you been cast to play this year? The expansion of love is the purpose. If you still have a breath, God needs you to enter stage left. Choose your starring role!

 

The Christmas Story of 2023

 

The star: You will shine brighter than the darkness. No matter how bleak a situation, how challenging a relationship, how painful a loss, you bring light.

 

The Stable: You will provide a safe refuge of hope for another, hopefully many, by a nourishing meal, a listening ear, a prayer, a word of hope, a warm embrace.

 

Joseph: You will sacrifice your pride, and do what God needs you to do for the larger mission.

 

Mary: You will dare to say “Yes” to God, not knowing what is ahead, trusting that God will do something new, beautiful, redemptive in and through your life.

 

The innkeeper: In the hustle and bustle of your life, with determination, you will find the space for God to do something extraordinary.

 

A shepherd: Your eyes will be peeled for wonder, miracles and the Holy Spirit. When you experience the little moments when heaven breaks through, you share the good news.

 

An Angel: You will offer a word of hope into every conversation. When people leave your presence they will believe that nothing is impossible with God.

 

Donkey: You will carry the burden of others so they can get where God needs them to be going.

 

The Magi: You will follow your soul’s intuition and find yourself in the same room with God. You will honor the moment with a gift from the best of yourself.

 

Whether we are a star, an angel, the maiden Mary, a stable, a donkey, a Magi—love is our mission. Can Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done become a present reality on our watch this Christmas?

 

 

 

*******Email, DM, or call me and I will happily sign, deliver, mail SOULFULLS for Christmas!****** 

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I love Breath of Heaven by our very own Amy Grant!

8 Comments
  • Susan

    December 11, 2023 at 7:17 am

    I love your words , especially today .

  • Corky Herbert

    December 11, 2023 at 8:06 am

    Oh what a timely blessing. When we so often feel pressure to find the right gift, you remind us there are so many ways to serve. Then you offer “Breath of Heaven,” the perfect benediction. I even sang along with Amy at the end. Farrell, please never doubt that Bread and Honey is a splendid gift, connecting us in faith. Having been gifted with Soulfull by my sweet sister, no doubt when I begin reading that in 2024,I will offer thanks again. Joyful Christmas coming!

  • Sallye Galloway

    December 11, 2023 at 10:18 am

    This is one of your best messages. Thank you for always uplifting my spirits. I love love your book.

  • Anonymous

    December 11, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    I agree, Farrell this is my all time very favorite. Each one of us wants to be special in some way and you help us “feel” that we can do it. Thank you.

  • Polly Keith

    December 11, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    One of the very very best. You give us all the feeling that we too can be special to God and FOR God. Much Love.

  • Diane Tucker

    December 12, 2023 at 2:57 pm

    Love the pics of the Mason family! Charlie is grown now!

  • bette bc

    December 12, 2023 at 10:18 pm

    love it all! and thanks for the sharing the Breath of Heaven song! always makes me cry… and as much as i love Amy Grant…i think i love Ellen Musick’s singing on it even more! Every xmas is so special.

  • Lynn Btidell

    December 13, 2023 at 8:50 am

    I would like to get 5 Soufull books please. Would love for you to sign them . How do I go about that?? Want them for Christmas !!