The Characters of Christmas: What Each One Teaches Us About Faith
When we think of Christmas, we often picture the nativity scene—Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, angels, a star, and a manger. But each of these characters wasn’t placed there by accident. God intentionally wove them into the story because each one shows us a different facet of faith.
Just like them, we play a part in God’s story today. And when we look at their lives, we discover that faith is not one-dimensional. It’s obedience, surrender, courage, trust, humility, worship, and perseverance—all wrapped together in the unexpected ways God moves.
Today, let’s take a deeper look at four key characters and what each one teaches us about living a life of faith.
Mary — Faith That Says “Yes” Without All the Answers
Scripture: Luke 1:26–38
Mary was young. Poor. Unknown. She had plans for her life—plans that certainly didn’t include a supernatural pregnancy.
But when God interrupted her life, she didn’t run. She didn’t negotiate. She didn’t ask God to adjust His timing or His method.
She simply said:
“Let it be to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38)
What Mary Teaches Us
Faith is not having the plan—faith is trusting the One who does.
Faith is not understanding everything up front—it’s saying yes even when the road ahead looks overwhelming, confusing, or impossible.
· Her lesson:
Faith surrenders.
Faith obeys even when the steps are unclear.
Faith says yes before seeing how God will work it out.
Some of us right now are facing a situation where the next step isn’t clear. Mary reminds us: Say yes to God, and He will handle the details.
Joseph — Faith That Walks in Obedience When It’s Hard
Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25
Joseph had every reason to walk away.
Mary’s story made no sense.
His reputation was on the line.
People would talk.
His family would question him.
And yet, Scripture says:
“…Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” (Matthew 1:24)
Not begrudgingly.
Not partially.
Not after trying to bargain with God.
He obeyed.
What Joseph Teaches Us
Faith sometimes requires us to do the hard thing, the misunderstood thing, or the unpopular thing.
· Joseph reminds us that:
· Faith obeys when it’s costly.
Faith trusts God more than public opinion.
Faith follows God even when other people don’t understand your obedience.
Some of you today are walking through something just like this—and Joseph stands beside you whispering: “Do what God asks. God will take care of the rest.”
The Shepherds — Faith That Runs Toward God with Joy
Scripture: Luke 2:8–20
The shepherds weren’t the elite.
They weren’t the religious leaders.
They weren’t the important ones.
They were outsiders—yet God chose them to hear the angels’ announcement first.
And when they heard the good news, they didn’t sit around discussing it.
They didn’t overthink it.
They didn’t doubt it.
Scripture says:
“They hurried to the village…” (Luke 2:16)
· What the Shepherds Teach Us
· Faith responds quickly to God.
Faith celebrates what God has done.
Faith shares the good news with others (Luke 2:17).
They show us that God often reveals Himself to the humble, the overlooked, the people who least expect it.
Their faith was simple, joyful, and immediate.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is say, “Yes, Lord,” and run toward Him.
The Wise Men — Faith That Pursues Jesus No Matter the Distance
Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12
The wise men traveled far.
They spent months—following a star.
They brought treasure.
They endured deserts, dangers, and uncertainty.
Why?
To find Jesus.
· What the Wise Men Teach Us
· Faith is persistent.
Faith seeks Jesus more than comfort.
Faith worships with sacrifice.
They didn’t come to get something—they came to give something.
And that’s what faith does.
It keeps moving, keeps seeking, keeps trusting—even when the journey is long.
Closing Application
These characters aren’t just figures in a Christmas drama. They’re mirrors showing us what our own faith can look like:
Mary says: Surrender your plans.
Joseph says: Obey even when it’s hard.
The shepherds say: Run toward Jesus with joy.
The wise men say: Seek Him with perseverance and worship.
And together, they show us this truth:
Christmas isn’t just a story to remember.
It’s an invitation to respond.
God is still choosing ordinary people—people like us—to be part of His extraordinary plan.
Closing Prayer
Father, as we enter the Christmas season, give us Mary’s surrender, Joseph’s obedience, the shepherds’ joy, and the wise men’s perseverance. Help us see our place in Your story, and help us respond with faith. Prepare our hearts to encounter Jesus in a fresh way this December. Amen.
