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!******