STEP INTO THE STORY
Ever wonder why video games are so popular? Why do we have such a fixation with the visual enactment of stories? Then there are plays, reading, picture books, tv, videos, phones, ipads…..and whatever comes next? For that matter, why do we love any story?
Christmas is a pivotal episode in the story of humankind. Christmas is not the beginning, but rather this segment jumps in to the middle of a narrative about God and his creation. This unique holiday episode of the universe saga comes with grandness and humbleness all at the same time. Good versus evil is played out with the forces of light and darkness and world peace has a shot at coming true.
An incredible new galactic body appeared in the sky at night marking this event and drew the attention of nobles and wise men from far, far away. The main characters and actors in the story spent the night in the animal barn where a little alien baby was born. Scary, extra-terrestrial beings called angels appeared on planet earth to lowly shepherds. Then divine flash-mobs joined them singing! Wow! (Every movie director’s casting dream!) Sacred writings on scrolls prophetically foretold the coming of this little alien visitor. It was a colossal moment marked by both loving worship and eventually hatred as a jealous King killed all baby boys under the age of two just to eliminate potential competition for his power. Espionage, forced flight across international borders; supernatural beings visible to men; immaculate conception; government abuse of power; loyalty and betrayal; this is the crazy stuff video games designers or screenwriters can only hope to recreate in terms of epic plots.
What if we were invited to step into this story?
But what if??? What if we were invited to step into this story? Becoming an actual player in the story is way more exciting than any video game! What if that recorded moment in humanity's life story is just the introduction of our life? What if instead of watching video games and operating the joy stick controls we actually joined into this epic feature? What might happen? Would our life slip away as we become caught up in a giant, celestial movement complete with spiritual conquest, divine musical scores; romance, self-sacrificing heroes and out-of-this-world drama?
You have been invited to join the cast.
God is sponsoring a Grand Release again this year that we call the Celebration of Christmas and you have been invited to join the cast. Though we can’t change the ending, (God and his followers win for all eternity) we can, by a conscious decision, step out of our current life into a whole new story where we get to choose which side we want to join. This story has a forever purpose and significance. It invites you to become part of the reigning family; but like all really “good” people, you are transformed into a person who puts other people’s needs ahead of your own and you use your authority to help the lost find the light too. Our role model for this story is Jesus himself, as he grows into an adult and gives us a short, three-year glimpse of who our characters could look like. We even get to take on super-natural gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as a result of this new story-line playing out in our life.
Gandalf, Aslan or Obi Wan sacrificially giving up their lives to take on their true spiritual nature pales in comparison to our story’s hero. This hero, Jesus, performs the ultimate sacrifice of his life to save the innocent (that’s us). Jesus went on to assume ALL power in heaven and earth and is the final conquering King who vanquishes evil forever.
John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (N IV) And in John 10:10 Jesus himself tells us: “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance to the full, till it overflows.” (AMP)
So here’s the deal. Are you finding escape into other less satisfying stories your only way out of a life without eternal purpose? The story of Jesus’ birth is the story reenacted more than any other story in all of history. All over the world in homes, churches and communities the story of Christmas is told through Nativity scenes that fascinate and mesmerize old and young alike. The story of Jesus is the story of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as we experience reconciliation with our Creator.
History is “HIS”-story I know it’s kind of corny; but history is really “HIS”-story and in that context takes on powerful meaning. The Christmas story is called the Greatest Story Ever Told because it encompasses all of creation and offers divine purpose and hope to everyone.
Will you step into this remarkable unfolding story? Are you brave enough to embrace Jesus with your whole heart this Christmas and in the coming year? You have been invited!
Now…
What if every day we invite a neighbor to become part of the story?
Merry Christmas!