Each Christmas I love to read the story of Jesus’ birth. It’s so much more exciting than many people give it credit for – it’s filled with scandal, attempted murder, miracles and new life. I mean, seriously, this is what we go to the movies to see!

It’s a story we’re all familiar with, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” (John 3:16) Lives are turned upside down by the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus.

But this year a different aspect stands out: faith. Over and over in the story, believing what God said is the key. From Mary to Joseph to Zechariah to the shepherds, fear and disbelief was often the initial reaction, but faith quickly followed.

In Luke 1:45 Elizabeth says to Mary, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” This morning I had to pause and ask myself a few questions: Do I believe what God has said to me about my life will be accomplished? Do I believe this for myself or just in this Christmas story and in others’ lives? Can I truly be blessed by the Lord if I believe in Jesus but don’t believe for the miracles He’s promised?

To have this faith! To trust so deeply! To receive His blessing!

Praying for each of you – as well as myself – for faith to believe for the miracles God has spoken to us. May we each be called blessed as we trust Him. Merry Christmas!