I like the idea of a live nativity, more than a plastic inanimate one. Christ’s nativity is so much more than an historical or sentimental commemoration. The nativity is part of the greatest story ever told. God took upon himself human flesh. Christ Jesus was born as a baby so that we could experience a live nativity.

The Apostle Paul revealed what a live nativity means when he declared, “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Let’s examine the Christmas story and see how we can experience the joy of a live nativity in our lives.

First – SURPRISED by God’s miraculous grace. Who doesn’t like the surprise of opening Christmas gifts? What a delight! But a Christmas gift is really not a gift or a surprise if you earn it, deserve it, or demand it. All of the participants in that first nativity were surprised by God’s grace, glory, and gift to the world. The Angel Gabriel made the most wonderful announcement to Zacharias and Elizabeth, to Joseph and Mary, and to the rugged shepherds out in a field.

“That night some shepherds were in the fields . . . guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared . . . the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them . . . “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem . . . And this is how you will recognize him: you will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth” (Luke 2:8-20 NLT).

You cannot experience a truly live nativity without being surprised by God’s miraculous grace.

Second – SUPERNATURAL. The supernatural power of the Holy Spirit overshadowed a young virgin named Mary and enabled her to conceive in her womb the Christ child. (Luke 1:35) How can that be? “For nothing is impossible with God” Luke 1:37). Gabriel announced, “Look, the virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and he will be called Immanuel (meaning God is with us)” (Matthew 1:23 NLT).

To have a live nativity is to have the supernatural presence of God in your life. When you believe and receive Christ by faith into your life, something supernatural happens. You are born anew by the Holy Spirit. (John 3:3-6, 16) Christ comes to live in your heart and the same Holy Spirit that was present in the first nativity will live and work in you! You can experience the supernatural God.

Third – the SAVIOR is born. “And you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NLT). To experience a living nativity you need a Savior. Why? “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Even Mary needed a Savior. “Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior!” (Luke 1:46-47 NLT). You can rejoice when you know the joy of sins forgiven. There will be no “Peace on Earth” without the Savior. The Jews were looking for a Savior from Roman tyranny. They forgot that the prophets pointed to a child. (Isaiah 9:6-7, 14) Peace, joy, and salvation are an inside job. You need a Savior.

Fourth – SURRENDER to the SOVEREIGN LORD. A live nativity begins in your life when you surrender to the reign of the Lord in your heart. When Mary was told that she, a virgin, would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant and I am willing to accept whatever he wants” (Luke 1:35-38). Are you willing to surrender your all to the Lord’s rule and command? Paul called it a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-2) Mary called him Lord. (Luke 1:46) What about you? Surrender is the only pathway to a life of peace, joy, and power.

When Joseph was hesitant to take a pregnant Mary unto him as his wife, the angle of the Lord spoke to him in a dream. “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded. He brought Mary home to be his wife, but she remained a virgin until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus” (Matthew 1:20-25). Joseph experienced a live nativity because he was obedient to the Lord God. Are you living in obedience to the Lord in every area of your life?

I hope Gus and his buddy experienced a truly live nativity. You can have a fresh new live nativity in your life. You don’t need to go to the Tractor Supply store and get a trailer or put on a shepherd’s robe, just go to the cross and put Jesus Christ on. He’s no longer a babe in a manger. Receive him as your Savior and Sovereign Lord. You’ll be surprised by God’s grace and supernaturally changed by the Holy Spirit into a new person. That’s a live nativity. “For as many as received him gave He power to become son’s of God, even as many as believed on his name” (John 1:12).