The Nativity

I know this is a little late for Christmas, but I've been kind of stuck on the Nativity story lately.  I've been looking at the different characters, or roles, in the nativity story and what we can learn from each of them.  Each part of the nativity story is there for a reason, the tale of the shepherds, the wisemen, the innkeeper... there's a reason why they are mentioned in the scripture stories.

My personal list of characters (in order of appearance):
Innkeeper (Luke 2:7)
Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
Wisemen (Matthew 2:1-11)

Each of these characters plays an important role in the story of Christ's birth and stand as examples or measuring sticks to evaluate the part Christ plays in our lives.

First, Mary and Joseph encounter the Innkeepers that had no room to accommodate the small family.  Now, without being there, my appraisal of the situation is that the Innkeepers had no idea just who they was turning away that day in Bethlehem.  Whatever the circumstances, they were too busy, or too preoccupied, or too impatient to make room for Mary, Joseph, and the expectant Savior of the World.

Second, we meet the shepherds that heard the angels singing praises to the infant Christ child, saw the star and left their flocks to worship Him.  They left behind their livelihood, their way of life, and immediately answered the call to see and worship the Good Shepherd.

Third, we find Simeon and Anna at the Temple.  Simeon is a devout man of God that received a revelation telling him that on that day, he would see the salvation of men as promised to him.  Anna, a righteous widow, has spent the past 80-ish years worshiping and serving in the temple daily, which is no small feat by any standards.  Each of them prophesied of Christ's divinity in the temple while He was still just an infant in arms.

Lastly, we see the Wisemen come to the child, Jesus.  The Wisemen studied and knew the signs of the birth of their Lord, but they also watched for them.  They not only were prepared to see them, but they were ready and willing to heed those signs.  Travelling for many months, they brought the child gifts fit for a King, while neglecting to bring any gifts to the reigning King Herod.

With this cursory summary, I ask myself, what part would I have played in the Nativity?  Would I be an Innkeeper, unable to find room in my house and in my heart for the Christ child?  Am I a shepherd, willing to leave behind all of my worldly concerns to worship the Lord?  Am I Simeon or Anna, watching and preparing for the day when the Savior will come to His temple?  Am I a Wiseman, watching for the signs, then working and seeking out the Lord through those revelations, bringing Him the most precious sacrifice I have to offer?  What do I need to do to fill the role I want?

What role do you play?