Fear Not For Thou Hast Found Favor With God

I, like many of you, adore the story of Christ's birth. Aside from the the obvious religious implications, which are very dear and sacred to me the story, by itself, is still incredible. The cast of characters is extensive but everyone plays such an essential role. From the very beginning of Christ's life the principles that He would exemplify were already apparent in those that were close to Him at his birth. 


This story begins with Zacharias and Elisabeth and their story of patience and promise. They were both righteous and thus prepared for whatever role their Father in Heaven had in store for them. They are such a great example of enduring. They waited so many years for a child and then to get one so late in life. In their place I may have felt overwhelmed. However, they were willing to be parents to a very special baby boy. John the Baptist was specially called to prepare the way and testify of Jesus Christ, a role that assumed even while in the womb (Luke 1:41). 


Next we add the obedient shepherds watching their flock by night. Whom after receiving the news of Christ from Angles of the Lord said "'Let us now go'...and they made haste" (Luke 2: 15-16). How easily they could have made excuses or debated the timing. They could have waited until morning, been concerned with the logistics of such a trip, or afraid for their safety or the safety of their flock. Yet, they made haste. 


Then we have those and faithful wise men who were not only willing to make large sacrifices themselves, but who were  faithful enough to recognize the signs of Christ's birth. What righteous, wonderful men. Their eagerness to pay tribute to the Savior; their faith. They were ready to trust that the fate of all mankind be left in the hands of such a small boy. 


Now, we have our dear Joseph; what an honorable young man. When Joseph first heard that Mary was pregnant he, naturally, must have felt so betrayed. However, he cared about Mary and could not leave her to suffer the consequences of the law. He wanted to do right by Mary and keep things very quiet. Then when he understood the reality of Mary's situation he married her quickly taking on both the responsibly of parenthood to Savior of the world and the judgement and cruelty of those who didn't understand. 


I love Mary. What a perfect example for Christ to grow up with. I can only imagine what she must have felt. What an incredible thing to be called to do. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and explained her mission she had only two things to say in response. First she said "how should this be, seeing I know not a man?" after Gabriel's answer to her sweet, humble question saying "with God nothing shall be impossible". Mary then replied "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1). I love her response. I admire Mary's courage. What she was asked to do must have been so daunting and humbling. I would be terrified and sure that I was not qualified for such a task. How does one parent the Son of God? What could a young girl have to offer? How many years of ridicule and misunderstanding were facing her and those she loved? With all of that ahead how admirable that all she had to say was "be it unto me according to thy word." 


From the first moments of Christ's earthly life those importance principles of his ministry were already in place. In this amazing story we learn such importance lessons of enduring, testifying of truth, obedience, faith, honor, and courage. As i read this story each year i cannot help but wonder what my role is; to wonder if I am prepared for what I will be asked to do. This story makes it so clear how the seemingly small, supporting roles of life can have great importance to the Lord. How dearly we are all loved by Heavenly Father and how important we are to Him. I know, with all my heart, that each one of us has an important role to play. We are capable of so very much and it is because of that scared day when the Savior was born and made way for two more important principles that of love and redemption. It is because of both of those that we are able to reach our potential. If we can follow the example of those that were there that sacred day and endure, testify, be endlessly obedient, faithful, and full of honor, and courage. and if we use the atonement of our Savior to learn how to perfectly love and seek redemption we can someday hear "Thou has found favor with God" 


Applicable links:
Videos of Christ's birth