The Christmas Story

I’d like to tell you the Christmas story from the perspective of an angel. I don’t know his name so let’s call him George. George is an average angel. He has regular work to do, like following humans around and helping them out from time to time with their problems. Other than that, occasionally George gets special jobs. Once he got an assignment that was the biggest job he ever had. One day one of his buddies, Gabriel, came looking for him. Gabriel had some unbelievable news. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was going to be leaving heaven. George couldn't believe what he was hearing. Jesus was going to leave heaven! How could that be? Gabriel had recently gotten back from a TDY, that’s a temporary duty assignment, on earth. His mission was to talk to a godly young woman by the name of Mary. He told her that even though she wasn't married she was going to have a baby. Mary was surprised but that wasn't the biggest surprise. The biggest surprise was that the baby was going to be Jesus, the eternal Son of God! George couldn't grasp what Gabriel said. It didn't seem possible. Then Gabriel said, “George, the Father wants to see you. He has an assignment for you.” George rushed over to the throne room. The Father was on the throne and Jesus was seated at His right hand. George, I have a special assignment for you. Later tonight I want you to go down to the earth, to a little town called Bethlehem. Outside of town there will be some shepherds watching over their flocks. I want you to give them a message for me,” the Father said. George’s eyes got wide. He asked, “Will the shepherds be able to see me?” The Father said, “Yes, this time you’ll be visible to them, so be sure and wear something nice.” “OK,” George said. He was really pleased even though he tried to hide it. It was rare for angels to have assignments when people got to see them. This was going to be fun! “When you talk to them, I want you to tell them that today, in the city of Bethlehem, a Savior is born, Christ the Lord,” the Father continued. George gulped and looked over at Jesus. Jesus was looking at George, too, and just smiled and nodded His head yes. “Then tell them, ‘And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ That’s it. Got it George?” the Father asked. “Yes, I've got it. When do you want me to do this?” George said slowly. “I’ll let you know, just be ready, OK?” the Father said. “OK” said George and he left. George was excited but also confused. He was happy to have the assignment, but he didn't understand how Jesus, the eternal Son of God could become a human! The more he thought about it, the more he wondered. The more he wondered, the more curious he got. In fact, he was probably the first curious George. George had other things to do, so he busied himself waiting. After some time passed he wondered if Jesus was still in heaven. He flew to the throne room and took a peek. Jesus was still there. He went back to his work. A little later he decided to check again. Hmm, Jesus was still there. Now he was really wondering. More time went by and you guessed it, he looked again. Jesus was still seated at the right hand of the Father in the throne room. George decided that he needed to relax. He found a quiet place, sat down, took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Just then Gabriel rushed over to him. “George, report to the Father.” He went straight to the throne room and the Father was there. But, Jesus wasn't there! “George, it’s time. Go to the shepherds and give them my message,” the Father said. “Father,” George said, “Is it OK if I fly by the place where Jesus is now, and look? It’s on the way.” The Father smiled. “Of course, George. Go ahead. But don’t forget your assignment.” George took off, flying as fast as he could. In an instant he was there, with Joseph and Mary. Even though he believed it was true, he wanted to see. He looked. Yes, there was Jesus. But He didn't look like He did in heaven. His glory was hidden. His body was that of a beautiful little baby boy. He wanted to stay but he couldn't, he had his assignment. He took off and found the shepherds. Suddenly he was visible and the shepherds could see him. Oh no, they were afraid! He didn't want that so he said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Then the most amazing thing happened. As soon as he finished, as soon as he told the shepherds everything the Father told him to say, he could contain himself no longer. What had just happened was the greatest miracle of all time. He had to say something! He had to worship God for His greatness in doing what no one could ever imagine possible. The eternal Son of God became a man! George opened his mouth to praise God and as he did he looked around and with him, also visible to the shepherds and filling the sky were millions and millions of his fellow angels. They had been watching everything, too, and they couldn't keep silent either. Together they cried out in praise to God, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” And then the angels disappeared. The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and Jesus. Then they went around telling everyone about George, even though they didn't know his name, and what he told them and how they found it to be true. They praised and worshiped God, too! The Christmas story is all about the Son of God becoming a man whose name is Jesus. I don’t say was Jesus but is Jesus. After living for 33 years on this earth, Jesus died on a cross for you and for me. He didn't stay dead, though. He came back to life three days later because He paid for our sins. Forty days later He went back up to heaven and that’s where He is right now, at the right hand of the Father. From now on let’s be like the angels and the shepherds and do two very important things, worship and praise God for the miracle of Jesus becoming a man and tell others about Him. That is the real point of the Christmas story.

Merry Christmas!

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