Luke 2:19-20
Stop.
Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths. Picture the infant Jesus in his mother’s arms. Let yourself be filled with love, peace, and warmth.
Listen.
But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. – Luke 2:19-20
Reflect.
Your heart and your life must be going a million miles a minute right now. Maybe you’re sprinting between gatherings and parties. Maybe you’re trying to get your home together to host. Maybe you’re lost in the memories of Christmases past in all their melancholy. Maybe you’re just trying to get through the day.
Whatever’s happening in your life right now, you’re here. You’re taking this moment to connect with God’s word for you in this very minute. You know that this day means so much, and the heart of it all is the good news of Jesus Christ born to Mary over two thousand years ago.
In these two gorgeous verses from the Christmas story, I’m reminded of the two things that are most essential to our commemorations of this day. First, the shepherds. They see Jesus and head back out into the world, back to their work, “glorifying and praising God” for what they have gotten to see. They don’t keep it to themselves. They don’t forget. They let this day and all they’ve experienced change them. They joyfully share this good news with anyone who could hear them. This is the greatest joy of Christmas: sharing the gospel of Jesus.
But there’s also the beautiful mention of what Mary does in that moment. She quietly considers everything and treasures them. She takes it all in, careful not to be swept away in the moment, intentional about her reflection, earnestly being fully present. The event will not pass her by.
While I certainly hope you’ll sing God’s praises this Christmas, I also hope you’ll take a cue from Mary. I hope you’ll pause and reflect. If you’re with loved ones, I hope you’ll sit back for a bit and let yourself soak in the celebrations, mistakes, and chaos that will become treasured memories in the future. If you’re on your own, I hope you take the time to let the quiet nurture your heart. If you’re in a gathering that doesn’t feel very welcome, I hope you’re able to step back and guard yourself gently, hopefully, trusting in God’s presence with you.
Whatever your day is, whatever it brings or has already brought, there is reason for praise. Stop, observe, treasure, and ponder. Christ is born. Thanks be to God.
Pray.
I turn my heart to you, God. Let your Son’s birth fill me with hope and joy. Keep me focused on your promises so I will never forget and always stay centered in you. Amen.
Carry On.
Have an incredibly merry Christmas! And in whatever way you can, ensure at least one other person can say the same.