A W.I.L.D. Christmas — Living the Story of Jesus

The first Christmas was a bit WILD, let’s admit it looked a little messy at surface view: the unwed mother, about to give birth, forced by a government edict,  had to ride 80 miles on a donkey ! There was no room at the inn, so the blessed event took place in a stable with a host of farm animals. Shortly, shepherds, who were seen as close to the bottom rung of society, came to visit. Then unexpected royalty shows up in the form of three wisemen, and gave lavish gifts– but also warned the family not to return home because the babe’s young life was under a DEATH THREAT!

BUT THE GOOD NEWS– IT WAS ALL PLANNED by ABBA FATHER and PROPHESIED and those prophesies were fulfilled– and more prophesies would be completed throughout Christ’s lifetime–and ultimate death –for US!

The Christmas story was never meant to stay wrapped in nostalgia, nativity sets, or familiar carols. God stepped into human history so His story would shape our attitudes, relationships,  worship and daily steps.

This Christmas, let’s live W.I.L.D.—not recklessly, but rooted in the true story of Jesus. Let’s embrace the Christmas story, and in it, look for someone you can relate to! To be “WILD”, scripture gives us a few  solid guidelines:

 Walk in God’s Ways

Joseph and Mary didn’t have a detailed roadmap—only obedience. Their journey to Bethlehem was inconvenient, uncomfortable, and uncertain, yet God used their faithful steps to usher the Savior into the world.

Walking in God’s ways doesn’t always lead us where we expect, but it always leads us where His purposes are fulfilled. Sometimes the road God chooses includes a manger instead of a guest room—but His presence makes even humble places holy.

He (Joseph) went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  (Luke 2:5–7 NIV)

Prayer:

Lord, help me trust Your ways even when the path is unclear, choosing obedience over comfort as I follow You.

Ignite Joy in Others

The angel’s first words were reassurance: “Do not be afraid.” Christmas joy was announced not to kings or crowds, but to ordinary shepherds, reminding us that joy is meant to be shared. Joy doesn’t deny hardship; it declares hope in the middle of it. When we live with Christ-centered joy, we become messengers of good news to a weary world—lighting dark places with heaven’s promise.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

Prayer:

Jesus, fill me with Your joy so fully that it overflows into the lives of everyone I encounter.

Live Loved and Free

Christmas answers one of humanity’s deepest questions: Does God really love us?

The answer is a resounding YES!—wrapped in flesh and placed in a manger.

Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. His coming breaks chains of fear, shame, and striving. We are no longer defined by darkness but invited into light—loved completely and freed to live as His sons and daughters.

The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Isaiah 9:2, 6; Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)

Prayer:

Father, help me live from Your love–resting in the freedom Christ has already given me. Make me an vessel of sharing freedom with others.

Dwell in God’s Presence

The older we get, the more we identify with Simeon and Anna. Simeon, faithful in service and Anna, both who  waited faithfully for the Messiah. The daily ministry soon rolled into decades of prayer, fasting, and worship. When Jesus arrived, they both recognized The Savior instantly. Those who dwell with God learn to recognize His work when others might miss it.

Dwelling in God’s presence shapes our perspective. It anchors us in hope, sharpens our spiritual vision, tunes our ears to listen to our Creator, and turns waiting into worship. Like Anna, and Simeon when we abide with God, we become witnesses to redemption.

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against  (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;  and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.  And coming in that instant she gave thanks to he Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.  (Luke 2:25–38 NKJV )

Prayer:

God, teach me to dwell in Your presence daily, so my heart recognizes Your work and my life testifies to Your redemption.

Living the Story

Who do you relate most to in the Christmas Story as this celebration rolls in?  Are you young, with your future before you and God is asking you to obey and rise above life’s inconveniences, challenges,  or hardships- trusting God will make a way? Are you feeling “less than” or unseen by those around you, like the Shepherds, and God is asking you to stay in the fields of service til He can WOW you? Are you willing to travel to see the Christ-child in this Christmas season to simply worship? Are you floating on God’s glory, like the angel who appeared to Mary, Joseph and then the Shepherds– maybe you are rejoicing as a group (a family) over miracles God has given you this year- more like one of the Heavenly Host proclaiming God’s glory and goodness? Or perhaps you are feeling like Israel, who God led from darkness to light. Maybe you are longing for Jesus to reveal Himself in your personal world as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, or Prince of Peace– or Immanuel- God WITH you!

Christmas is Real!

We just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary, but it is so easy to remember back to our newlywed days when we were only 20 years old, in love, and where we had nearly nothing in our checkbook yet loads of FAITH in our Big God! Obedience, even when we were a bit fearful, seemed natural as we finished up degrees, Bill’s seminary and launched into the youth ministry and parenthood.

Three years ago, Bill and I were both recovering from my Near-Death Experience and my ICU coma miracle. We were revelling in Immanual who was WITH us both through a life-shaking experience.  He was Prince of Peace through out my glance with death. Angels were a big part of my “Glimpse of God’s Glory”, so I gave angels to each family member as I shared the series of “Only God” miracles” that brought me back to life.

 

Just a year ago, I had just finished six sessions of chemo, was bald and we were looking for a way to bring JOY into what could be a somber Christmas. Bill and a few of the grandkids rallied to create a wonderful, gleefilled activity- the grandkids took make up pencils and crayons and decorated my bald head, writing fun and joyfilled praises where hair used to be! They wrote hope on my head and into my heart.

Ask God to make you WILDly brave, strong, joy-filled and serene this Christmas season. Pick out someone in the Christmas story and follow his or her example for your next step.

This Christmas, may we do more than remember the story of Jesus.

May we walk, ignite, live, and dwell in ways that reflect His coming.

Because the Christmas story isn’t just history—it’s an invitation.

Share the invitation of Christmas with others who God wants to bring into His glorious light!

 

Pam and Bill Farrel are international speakers, authors of 61 books, and Co-Direcotrs of Love-Wise and Proverbs 19:8 ministires, helping people with their most vital relationships. Bill is a sought-after relationship and life coach, and they are currently working on a new book for couples. When not traveling to speak, the Farrels love spending time with their three sons, 3 daughters in law, and 8 grandkids. They also love kayaking, walking the beach and life aboard their live-aboard boat.  To contact them to speak for your church or group: www.Love-Wise.com