THE FAITH OF THE CHRISTMAS FAMILY

[Rev. Dr. Denis Plant]

Elisabeth had to have faith that what the angel had told Zacharias would come to pass, that she would have a son even though past child bearing age, and that he would be the way maker for the Messiah.

Her faith was confirmed by Mary’s visit and the news Mary was also pregnant and was to bear the Messiah. Mary had to have faith that Gabriel’s words to her would come to pass and her faith was confirmed by her visit to Elisabeth.

Joseph had to have faith that God would take care of Mary during her pregnancy. His faith was strengthened by his dream that God was in the whole situation. He must have agonised over the decisions he had to make for Mary.

The Wisemen had to have faith that the star they saw would lead them to the right place and that they would find the king who had been born. They were filled with joy when they saw the star hovering over his birthplace and their faith was confirmed after their long journey.

The Shepherds had to have faith that they would find the babe, and their faith was confirmed when they saw the baby lying in the manger just as they had been told.

The faith of Zacharias was not as strong as the faith of the others in the Christmas story as he could not believe it was possible for Elisabeth to conceive. For his unbelief he was struck dumb until his son was born and he named him John.

All of these people had to have faith that God was leading them and guiding them, they could not see the future but had to keep trusting day by day that all would be well. We must also trust God to lead and guide us and care for us at this Christmas time.