Human history is marked by storytelling. We love true tales describing historical events, either global or personal. We love to hear fictional accounts of all genres: mysteries, horror, fairytales, and drama. Not much has changed for us; we spend our time reading books, watching movies, or listening to stories set to music. 

We often identify with at least one character when we read a story, and sometimes, we wish we were in the story itself. I remember enjoying The Royal Tenenbaums in the theater, and I didn’t want to leave. I loved the world Wes Anderson created.

God tells a story through multiple authors in Holy Scripture. More than a textbook or dogmatic book, the Bible is God’s story about Himself and humankind, even you. Often, we observe Christmas as audience members, removed and observing. We watch the angels announcing Jesus’ birth to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. We marvel at the manger scene and tremble when the Wisemen bend their knees before the Lord.

We enjoy this Advent Christmas season, but many of us might feel like we are watching it on the big screen. We love it. We don’t want to leave the theater. But we also have the sinking feeling of needing to return to reality. The story is not ours. It’s just another dreamy drama interrupting our dreary lives.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. God’s story is your story. You are in the Bible. You are Adam or Eve who were created and rebelled. You are the humanity the Son of God became in the incarnation. You are the person God came to redeem, die for, and rise again. 

God is the subject of His story, and YOU are the object of His mission and rescue. This Christmas story is your story, and while the season ends at the end of the month, its reality continues 24/7. You don’t have to leave the theater. This is the theater. You are in the story. His story is happening in your life right now. Your suffering and sin are not outside of this story. They are a part of it. Just as His forgiveness from your friend or HIs mercy given in holy communion is a part of God’s story in your life, ultimately, His story of resurrection and coming again in glory is yours as well. Don’t be afraid, the angel tells you, Mary, the disciples. A savior has been born for you.