Tim Allen starred in two very different Christmas movies.  In The Santa Clause, he plays Scott Calvin.  A messenger tells Scott he must become the new Santa Claus.  Scott has 11 months to get his affairs in order before reporting for duty to the North Pole.  During this time, he comes to terms with the responsibility thrust upon him, ultimately surrendering—even embracing!—the call.  Ten years later, Allen starred in Christmas with the Kranks.  Luther Krank spends most of the movie resisting cultural expectations for the Christmas season, enduring the gossip and scorn of his neighbors because of his choices.

These two characters relate in different ways to the story of Mary.  She is called in Luke 1:26-38 to surrender to a life that will be filled with limitless love, wonder, and grace (like Scott Calvin), yet also darkened by rumors, gossip, and misunderstandings (like Luther Krank).  Mary asks the question the gossips will ask throughout her life: how can a virgin bear a child?  Do not be afraid, is Gabriel’s encouragement.  You have found the Lord’s favor.  With God, nothing is impossible.

In the presence of God there is always an element of danger, like being in the middle of a violent thunderstorm.  Out in the bare elements, the raw energy and power of the storm can be fearful, even deadly.  From the safety of our home, however, that same raw power fills us not with fear but with awe at the beauty of the lightening and roar of the thunder.  In the same way, those who abide in God’s grace are safe within the dangerous presence of the living God.  Mary humbly accepts the call to serve God, even though she cannot imagine the path it will take.  Will you?

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