To all of you reading... MERRY CHRISTMAS! Earlier this week, I intended to write early enough that I could avoid the cliche Christmas post. As time went on, I spent more time thinking about the Christmas story. And I decided a Christmas post actually was the best option. However, I still wanted it to be different, so enjoy reading this poem I wrote as I pondered each character of the Christmas story.
Let me be like Mary.
Believing no matter how impossible,
Serving no matter what the cost,
Let me be like Mary.
Let me be like Joseph.
Fearing not the judgement of man,
Obeying what my Lord has said,
Let me be like Joseph.
Let me not be an innkeeper.
Turning away those in need,
Shutting out my Savior.
Let me not be an innkeeper.
Let me be like the angels.
Proclaiming peace between God and man,
Singing praises to be heard across the land,
Let me be like the angels.
Let me be like the shepherds.
Running quickly to find my king,
Sharing all that I have seen,
Let me be like the shepherds.
Let me not be a Herod.
Clinging desperately to my Kingdom,
Fighting violently for control,
Let me not be a Herod.
Let me be like the Magi
Pouring out my greatest gifts,
Seeking more than gold and treasure,
Let me be like the Magi.
Let me be like Simeon and Anna.
Trusting every one of God's promises,
Thanking Him for all He has and will do,
Let me be like Simeon and Anna.
But most of all...
Let me be like You, Jesus.
Living in my Father's will,
Giving up my life for men to know,
Let me be like You.
Join the conversation: The idea behind this poem originally occurred to me while thinking about the shepherds and their reaction to the angel's message. I was challenged by how eager they were to share the news. But then God reminded me that as a Christian, my goal should be to look like Jesus. I know I often fail to accurately reflect Jesus to the world, so as a first step to accepting this challenge, I am going to be focusing on making every decision in God's will (not just the major ones). Which part of the Christmas story are you most challenged by? And what will you do to meet that challenge?
I was reflecting on Mary yesterday. Her task was daunting yet she trusted.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, thank you for commenting. I'm frequently challenged by Mary's ability to trust God as well. A thought I've had recently is about her life as a mother. I feel we so often get caught on the fact that she could have been stoned and probably faced social rejection. But what about the fact that she was raising the Son of God? I think that adds a whole other level to how daunting her task must have been.
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