Michel: Greatest Christmas gift story needs telling

Published 12:09 am Saturday, December 19, 2015

With only a few days left before Christmas, you may be able to identify with something my friend Linda Green shared with me as we spoke about a message she was preparing for a ladies’ luncheon.

“Tis the season — to be broke, tired, stressed and overwhelmed over everything involved in making Christmas Merry! And then we have pressure of trying to make memories that will last a lifetime, and looking like a celebrity for our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts through it all!”

I laughed because I can relate. She continued, “But if we want to have a Merry Christmas, we must first understand Mary’s Christmas.”

Life must have looked pretty good to Mary before the angel’s visit.

Her engagement to Joseph was likely the fulfillment of her dream. Then the Holy Spirit surrounded her, the power of God overshadowed her and Jesus, the Word in flesh, was implanted in her.

Her dream was about to take on incredible new dimensions. The Word inside of her caused her to grow, but not just physically.

He changed her plans and challenged the thinking of those with whom she was in contact.

A few months later, while most of the world was sleeping, she brought forth Life when Jesus, the Light of the world, was humbly born in a stable.

The One Who had already changed her was about to shake the community and eventually the world.

Although the story of Jesus’ life on earth begins with Christmas, it doesn’t end there. He didn’t remain in the manger.

Jesus grew and led a sinless life as He taught, healed and loved. He then became the ultimate sacrifice when He willingly died on the cross for our sins.

Every time I reflect on the first Christmas, I am challenged. Have I made room in my heart for Jesus?

Will I allow Him to change me, enlarge my vision and challenge my thoughts? And do the people around me know about that first Christmas?

Just as in the time of Mary, there are many people today living good lives, dreaming good dreams and making common sense plans. But do they know the entire Christmas story of the greatest gift?

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.