Christmas story holds faith lessons for every day.

Byline: FROM HEART TO HEART By Cindy Clague For The Register-Guard

Telling the story of Jesus' birth is more than a well-loved ritual revisited once a year. It holds everyday lessons for many people of goodwill, even after centuries of repetition.

When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary the impending privilege of bearing the Christ child, she wonderingly asked how it could be. Although she may not have fully understood the angel's answer, she bravely and willingly agreed to do the part given to her. Despite the danger of being labeled unfaithful to her betrothed husband, she gave thanks for the opportunity to birth and cherish the son of God.

Am I so willing to take steps into the unknown with the trust and eagerness that Mary displayed? Will I refrain from self-justification and argument, even as Mary trusted the angels to tell Joseph of the new developments?

When angels sang of the birth of the babe who was to bring peace and goodwill to all, the shepherds heard. Though among the least respected in their society, they were awake to the new order and responded with great joy.

Am I willing to patiently watch over my flock of duties during the thankless night, that some message of great joy might break through my darkness? If I sometimes hope for a great conquering Messiah, will I recognize it in another form, in something gentle and tender and apparently insignificant?

Three wise men saw a star and wondered what it meant. They studied and searched and let it lead them into a far country. Am I willing to get my eyes off the dusty road or molding tomes, and look up long enough to find a star and follow it?

When these wise men encountered cruel King Herod along the way, they were warned by an angel not to return home by way of Herod after finding the Christ child. When I encounter the worst in human nature, do I let it draw me into its web, or do I continue to search for the babe and, having found it, never return to the ugliness that I met before? Will I hold fast to Christ and not look back?

When Joseph was warned that Herod would harm the babe, he took the child and mother away to safety in Egypt. If I hear of innocents in danger halfway across the world, or self-destructive young people at home, will I respond with a refuge for them in my prayers?

The Magi left gifts for the little family that would soon help them escape from danger. Will I give my best to protect and support the Christ-life wherever I may encounter it, as these wise men did when leaving their rich gifts with the humble?

Perhaps this year, as the story is retold, we can feel the touch of those angels so prominent centuries ago. May they help us set aside the worry of life and rekindle the spirit of peace and joy in this Christmastide.

Cindy Clague is a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Eugene. This column is coordinated by Two Rivers Interfaith Ministries, a network of more than 35 religious and spiritual traditions in the Eugene-Springfield area. For more information, call 344-5693.