Jesus: The Star of Our Show

This Sunday, 13 December, we are excited to be celebrating our annual Christmas pageant—the reenactment of the “incarnation of God” in human form. In Luke 1:46-55, when we read the Song of Mary, we hear the amazing message that this story is not only about God’s mercy and love for Mary and Joseph, but for all whom God calls from generation to generation.

The point that Luke wants us to learn from this passage is that Jesus is the star of the show. In his article, “Jesus Is not Your Supporting Actor,” J.D. Greear writes, Imagine your life as a movie. Who would the main character be? In every movie, there are major characters and minor characters. What happens to minor characters is not as important, because the story is about the major character.

So let’s ask ourselves, who is the main actor in our movie called life? If we place ourselves as the central actor, then when our story is over, like most biographies, it’s over. There is no happily ever after.

But if we place Jesus as our film’s central player, and cast ourselves in the role of supporting actor, then our reviews get even better. Our story is timeless—for Jesus never had a beginning, and he will have no end. He’s the King whose kingdom lasts far into eternity.

When Jesus said that he gives us eternal life (John 3:36; 5:24; 10:27, 28), he intended us to understand that this new quality of life begins on our first day of faith, our “new birth” birthday.  It continues uninterrupted long after this world ceases to be. Without Christmas, none of this would ever happen, nor would it even come to mind. Jesus’ birthday changes everything, everywhere, and forever.

Maybe this happy news has somehow gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of the season, or the “lockdown” has locked us down by putting us in a negative state of mind and spirit. But let’s shake this off as we put Jesus back into the central role. He wants us to have his life and his joy, every day and always—no matter what—and this occurs when, and only when, Jesus remains the star of our show.     

Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash