December 24, 2024

Scripture

Luke 2:1-20 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Reflection

Busy, busy, busy… “I have to do this and that and oh, I can’t forget that.” The day and evening are planned with tasks and expectations of how things will go and should go. But what about if we get a call that would cause us to have to change our plans? How would we respond? We have two examples in this passage, of things not going as expected. First Mary and Joseph, not being able to find a room and then the shepherds, having an angel of the Lord appear to them, shining the Glory of God! Talk about something unexpected happening. In both situations, those involved did the best they could, went along with the change, and ultimately encountered the best blessing, the birth of Our Savior. So this day, be open to the detours and be willing to encounter all God has in store for you and maybe you’ll be the one sharing wonderful news of the Lord.

Prayer

Father, please guide me this day. Let me be open to what You have planned for me. Let me experience Your grace and wonder, treasuring all Your blessings and taking the time to reflect upon them and ponder them in my heart as Mary did. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Stephanie Geving