I love the Christmas story in Scripture. It’s a story filled with wonder, miracles and divine intervention, yet what often stands out most to me is how God chose to work through ordinary people. When I look at the story, I see that the very first Christmas wasn’t wrapped in prestige, wealth or influence. Instead, it unfolded through men and women who were simple, humble and unknown by the world. It was these very people that God used. I think this is encouraging to me because I very much identify with ordinary people, and maybe you do too.

When I think about Mary and Joseph, they were a young couple with very little to their name. They didn’t come from a palace; they didn’t hold positions of power or influence. They couldn’t even get a hotel room! Yet God entrusted them with the tremendous responsibility of caring and raising His Son. Mary wasn’t a queen; Joseph wasn’t a king. They were ordinary people whose obedience allowed God to work in extraordinary ways.

Then, God announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Shepherds were not the people you’d expect to be included in a royal birth announcement. They weren’t highly educated. They didn’t have wealth, political influence or high social status. It was a smelly, lonely, thankless job. I think they were often overlooked and largely forgotten. But God used them. And they became key witnesses and messengers in the unfolding story of the Savior’s arrival.

Throughout the entire Christmas story, we see a clear pattern of God doing miraculous and incredible things through ordinary people. That truth is incredibly encouraging for all of us today. We don’t have to be famous, talented, wealthy or influential for God to work through our lives. He is still using everyday, ordinary people, people like you and me to carry out His purposes in the world.

God still uses ordinary people to share His gospel. We get to speak the truth in love. God uses our conversations, and our prayers to make his name known.

God still uses ordinary people to encourage the lonely. Often, a simple call, a visit or a kind word can bring hope to someone who feels unseen.

God still uses ordinary people to comfort the hurting. A listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a reminder of God’s presence can bring peace to a heavy heart.

God still uses ordinary people to practice hospitality. Opening your home, your table, or even giving your time can create space for God to work in powerful and beautiful ways.

Christmas reminds us that God doesn’t require extraordinary people, just willing ones. And when ordinary people make themselves available, God does extraordinary things.

Merry Christmas.