7 Lesser-Known Characters of Christmas and What We Can Learn from Them

1. Zechariah: The Lesson of Faith and Patience in God’s Timing

The first character we encounter in the Christmas story is Zechariah, a priest who served in the temple of the Lord. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were childless in their old age. Despite their fervent prayers, they had long given up hope of having a child. However, God had a different plan for them. According to Luke 1:11-13, while Zechariah was performing his priestly duties, an angel appeared to him with a miraculous announcement: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” This child would grow up to become John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. Yet, despite the angel’s clear message, Zechariah doubted. He asked, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1:18).

Because of his disbelief, the angel Gabriel told him he would be unable to speak until the prophecy was fulfilled. Zechariah’s story reminds us of the importance of faith and patience, especially when God’s promises seem delayed. It’s easy to become discouraged when our prayers appear to be unanswered, but Zechariah’s experience shows us that God’s timing is perfect. Even when it feels like God is silent, he’s working behind the scenes. The lesson we can learn from Zechariah is to trust God’s promises, even when our circumstances seem impossible.

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2. The Innkeeper: The Lesson of Making Room for Jesus

The person who didn’t provide a room for Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem isn’t named in the Bible but still plays a significant role in the Christmas story. Luke 2:7 reports that Mary placed newborn Jesus in a manger (a container used to feed animals) because there was no other space available: “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.” We don’t know for sure whether or not Mary and Joseph were looking for a room at an actual inn or simply a guest room in someone’s home during the Roman census that required them to travel to Bethlehem then. Over the years, the person who turned them away has traditionally become known as the innkeeper.

Whoever that person was, he or she likely didn’t make room for Jesus because of feeling overwhelmed. It must have been stressful dealing with crowds of people in town all at once. The innkeeper probably had a full schedule as well as a full place to stay. However, instead of completely dismissing Mary and Joseph, the innkeeper still found a way to help them by providing space in a stable for them to stay. The innkeeper challenges us to consider how we can make room for Jesus in our own busy lives. During the Christmas season, it’s easy to get so busy with our activities that we don’t leave space for what truly matters – which is connecting with Jesus relationally through prayer. The innkeeper teaches us to do whatever we can to make room for Jesus in our lives by arranging our priorities around what matters most.

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3. Simeon: The Lesson of Holding onto Hope and Trusting God to Fulfill His Promises

Simeon is another lesser-known character whose story unfolds after Jesus’ birth. According to Luke 2:25-26, Simeon was a holy person who was hoping to see the Messiah – the world’s Savior. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon was moved by the Spirit to go there, and he took Jesus in his arms, praising God. Then Simeon declared: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30).

Simeon’s hopeful expectation was fulfilled as he held Jesus in his arms. Simeon’s story shows us the power of hope and waiting on God’s promises. In a world that celebrates instant gratification, Simeon teaches us the value of patient expectation and trusting that God’s promises will come true in the best timing. His story encourages us to wait with hope, even when the wait is long. 

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4. Anna: The Lesson of a Life Fully Devoted to God

The prophet Anna is another character who is often overlooked in the Christmas story. Luke 2:36-37 describes her as a widow who had lived to an old age. She worshiped day and night at the temple, fasting and praying. When she saw Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Despite the hardships she faced, Anna dedicated her life to worship and prayer.

Her encounter with the baby Jesus was a culmination of her lifelong devotion. Anna’s life challenges us to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to God. While our world is focused on productivity and achievement, Anna reminds us to look beyond our to-do lists to what matters even more – growing closer to God. Anna’s beautiful example of devotion to God shows us the importance of connecting with God’s presence regularly and enjoying our relationships with God to the fullest.

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5. Elizabeth: The Lesson of Rejoicing with Others

Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist is another character who plays a crucial but often overlooked role in the Christmas story. Elizabeth suffered from infertility, which was a source of great shame in her culture. However, her story took a miraculous turn when she conceived John the Baptist in her old age. In Luke 1:41-44, Mary (who was related to Elizabeth) visited Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel announced that Mary would give birth to Jesus.

At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed with joy, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Elizabeth could have felt jealous of Mary, who was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. But instead, Elizabeth rejoiced wholeheartedly. Elizabeth teaches us the importance of celebrating the blessings of others, even when we’re waiting for our own miracles. God’s love will flow through us when we rejoice with others. 

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6. Joseph: The Lesson of Obedience

Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is often overshadowed by Mary in the Christmas story. Yet, his role was essential, and his obedience to God was remarkable. Joseph was engaged to Mary when he found out she was pregnant, and he knew he was not the father. According to Jewish law, he had the right to divorce her quietly or even expose her to public disgrace. However, in Matthew 1:20-21, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Despite the potential for social shame, Joseph obeyed without hesitation. Joseph’s story is a powerful example of obedience, even when it’s difficult or costly. He trusted God’s plan over his own understanding and took a leap of faith to protect and provide for Mary and the unborn Savior. We can learn from Joseph the importance of fulfilling God’s purposes, even when doing so is challenging.

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7. The Shepherds: The Lesson of Sharing the Good News

The shepherds are also Christmas story characters who deserve a closer look. According to Luke 2:8-9, they were “living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night,” when an angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing the birth of the world’s Savior. The angel said: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). After witnessing the heavenly host praising God, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus. Once they had seen Jesus, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child, and “all who heard it were amazed” (Luke 2:17-18).

The humble shepherds were chosen to be the first evangelists of Jesus’ birth. Their eagerness to share the good news reminds us of our calling to share the Gospel with other people. The shepherds teach us that we don’t need to be scholars or theologians to share the message of Jesus; we simply need a willing heart and the courage to speak. 

In conclusion, the Christmas story is filled with many interesting characters who each can teach us valuable spiritual lessons. It’s worthwhile to pay attention to the characters we may have overlooked before. The lesser-known characters from the Bible’s Christmas story remind us that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. They challenge us to consider how God is at work through our own lives and how we can faithfully respond day by day.

So, as we celebrate this Christmas season, let’s focus not just on the most familiar Christmas characters but also on those who played supporting roles in the Christmas story. These lesser-known characters remind us that God values everyone and works powerfully through each of our lives.

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