For many folks, the biblical Christmas story seems quite far removed from their lives. Perhaps they are not Christian, or they are not people of faith in general. But as often is the case, when we look deeply enough we can find connection across the human experience regardless of our closely held beliefs or lack thereof.

Let’s take a moment to step inside the narrative and see if we can find ourselves represented within.

First, we have the three wise men who wandered far from home in search of the Christ child. Many of us have experienced our own time in the wilderness, far from home and seeking something we can’t quite put a finger on. Whether we are navigating change in our lives or searching for deeper meaning in our lives, most of us have felt a little lost in the world at one time or another.

The innkeeper who hosted Mary and Joseph in the stable behind the inn might also represent us as we try to do our best to provide for others with the meager offerings we have. We might be caring for aging parents and feel we are failing because we only have so many hours in the day, or we might be walking around with a baby on our hip as our toddler tugs at our hand and we wish we could cut ourselves into more parts so that we don’t fail anyone we care about.

Maybe you identify most with the shepherds, who are just ordinary people going about their business with little fanfare, never desiring the limelight, and toiling day and night with little recognition. Yet, it was these uneducated laborers who were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth first, and this serves as a reminder that those who are working behind the scenes may not be seen by others but are always seen by God.

As we move on to the main characters of our story, we see Joseph, who is the trusting and faithful one. He had to be confused by the news of the pregnancy of his fiancé and could have very easily elected to turn tail and run the other way. Instead, he decided to accept what he was told about Mary’s pregnancy, and trust that in due time his patience would be rewarded. Consider how so many of us are diligently trying very hard to allow an addict in our lives have a fresh start as they leave rehab and we have to trust in their recovery … this is a modern day example which far too many of us are familiar with, and Joseph’s trust can lead us forward.

Mary is a key figure in the Christmas narrative, and she might represent the ways so many of us continue to step forward into an unknown future we are attempting to give birth to. The person who has risked it all to launch a business, uncertain of whether they will end up bankrupt or celebrating. The adoptive parent waiting anxiously by the phone for “the call.” The artist standing before a blank canvas hoping for inspiration with paint brush in hand. Mary is all of us at one time or another in our lives, for we all have hopes and dreams we anxiously cling to, and we have all taken that first tentative step forward, then another, holding our breath as we walk toward the longed for vision of our future not yet made tangible.

The babe in the manger is the lead in our story, which is fascinating because he is the smallest, most vulnerable, and least powerful. Jesus represents us all, for beneath the layers of adulthood, responsibilities, and labels we have applied to ourselves resides a tender soul, capable of being deeply moved, and in need of nurturing and care. From the CEO of a Fortune 500 company to the immigrant maid at the local budget motel, we each are powerless in the face of a cancer diagnosis, and we all need the comfort of a hug from a loved one to sustain us.

So right now, which role are you? At one time we might be Mary, at other times of our lives we might be the wise men. Whichever character of the Christmas story you are at this very moment, God whispers to us at each stage of our lives. Do you hear the whisper? What is it saying to you? Christmas isn’t just a story that we remember every December, it is a story we live each and every day.

Athol Congregational Church, UCC, is a local community of faith that is “small enough to know you, large enough to serve.” We celebrate in-person worship as well as offer Facebook livestream services under “Athol Congregational Videos.” Our pastors and members are available for conversation on our Athol Congregational Church Facebook page, and through private messages. We would love to connect. We offer long-distance Reiki through our certified practitioners. We are willing to pray with you, and want to know you, whoever you are. We are located at 1225 Chestnut Street and can be reached at 978-249-6202.