Read Luke 2:1-20
What a birth story! Any mom will tell you their story of what happened during their pregnancy and delivery. There is something precious and holy about the miracle of life that breaks forth from our bodies. While memory of the pain of childbirth fades, other details are held dear as a precious treasure. There is no greater joy than to see your baby for the first time. Is that what Mary was feeling in this story? Imagine Mary looking at her son, and it was the LORD looking back at her.
This story can become too familiar when we hear it year after year. How do we keep it fresh so that the joy and wonder can be felt afresh each time we read it? We can insert ourselves into the story and imagine we were there as a shepherd or even a barn animal looking on. A different vantage point brings fresh perspective. We can also try to set aside everything we know and read the story as if it’s the first time we heard it.
The latter is what I did today to allow myself to be amazed at a deeper level. This story has it all. Drama, bright lights, curious people, and presumably two exhausted parents. There was so much more going on here than in your everyday birth story. What new insights struck you as you read these verses?
Logistics struck me. Of course Bethlehem would be packed. If this census was bringing all of King David’s descendants back to the wee town to be counted, it would certainly be splitting at the seams. Mary and Joseph were lucky to have found the shelter they did. But luck had nothing to do with it. Jesus was God’s son after all. The provision was there all along, the young couple just had to be paying attention.
How often do we get caught up in the daily grind and forget to pay attention to God moving in our midst? Perhaps this birth story can help us remember to be looking for God. I call them God sightings, and they are all around us. Don’t let another day go by that you don’t look for God and marvel at his majesty and provision.
The shepherds didn’t look away as they were given a huge honor in this birth story. God chose to reveal the birth of his son to them as they were minding their own business, keeping their flocks safe. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, heaven’s light shown down and they were told not to fear. The heavenly hosts must have been magnificent, and yet their message resonated with these straggly men. These lowly shepherds had to see for themselves. Their curiosity was at an all-time high. The Messiah had arrived at last!
I appreciate the shepherds. They wanted more, to see for themselves this great event. At this point, all I can do is picture all the nativity sets I’ve ever seen. Usually we only have a couple shepherds in each set, but I picture a crowd of shepherds all circling around this infant king, their Messiah.
While the angel’s birth announcement was limited in this birth story to the shepherds, the news spread. The shepherds couldn’t keep such great news to themselves. “The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.” Everyone, they told everyone! What great evangelists! It’s up to us to keep this story alive and make sure people know the true meaning of Christmas.
As you prepare your heart to welcome your Savior King, let the words of the angels inspire and envelope you with hope for peace and joy. “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Merry Christmas!
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for this magnificent birth story that we remember and reflect on. Inspire in me the wonder and awe I need to share as boldly as the shepherds. Help me to keep my eyes open and focused on you so I don’t miss any of your provisions or directions for life. I trust you with my life. Take away any distractions that cloud my devotion. May I glorify you in all I say and do. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
