Responding to Christmas
Like the Shepherds, People, and Mary
Luke draws our attention to a few main characters in his account of the Christmas story: the shepherds, the people, and Mary. They each respond to the momentous event of Jesus’ birth in their own special way. Take a moment to read through this passage and see who resonates with you most.
Luke 2:15-20, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
The shepherds eagerly seek Jesus out. They share with others the hope and joy they have found. They glorify and praise the Lord for His faithfulness.
The people respond with amazement to the hope-filled message. They believe what they have heard.
Mary quietly ponders, reflects, and treasures in her heart the miracle of the moment. Jesus truly is the Son of God.
Do you seek out Jesus above all else? Are you sharing the hope you’ve found? Do you give God glory and thank Him for all He has done in your life?
Are you responding to the Good News of great joy on a daily basis? Are you still awed and amazed by the glory and goodness of God?
Do you take time to regularly marvel at the miracle of Christmas? Do you set aside time to reflect and ponder the love of God which came down from Heaven at Christmastime?
Take a moment to pause, ponder, and pray in response. Ask the Lord to renew your sense of wonder and gratitude.
Everything God has ever promised has come true! And there is more to come someday!
