That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:8-20 NLT
Let’s set the scene here – Mary just gave birth to her first child in a very very rustic, unfamiliar place. She and Joseph are probably dazed, Mary’s in some pain, and Joseph is cleaning stuff up. They aren’t surrounded by family to celebrate with them. They made this trek alone. The reality of all they’ve had to deal with for the past nine months is hitting them hard. Probably some tears, some wonder, some awe, maybe even a few really human moments of “Can you believe this is happening?” Just the two of them.
Then some shepherds show up, with crazy eyes, running from their fields, and they share what the angels told them. Other witnesses to God’s great plan; it’s happening, and it’s bringing joy to all people! The Savior, the Messiah, has been born! Imagine what that meant to Joseph and Mary’s hearts. The encouragement that came from their presence and proclamation of the good news!
How did they bring such joy and astonishment to Joseph Mary and anyone else who would hear?
The shepherds gave three gifts:
They gave the gift of their presence. If you notice in the above passage, the angels didn’t tell the shepherds to go. They simply decide to go (they are the originator of the saying, “Let’s go!!”). They showed up for Joseph and Mary’s biggest moment of their lives with excitement and celebrated with them!
They gave the gift of good news by sharing with everyone they saw what they SAW and HEARD. It’s like they couldn’t keep this incredible experience to themselves. They shared the details—what they saw and heard—with anyone who would listen. The hills probably echoed with the tale of the heavenly encounter.
They gave God the gift of praise. They celebrate with the Creator of the universe and rescuer of humanity that HIS PLAN was happening. They joined in, not just as witnesses but as participants, praising the Creator of the universe.
What gift do you bring?
For each of us this Christmas season, let’s take a cue from the shepherds. Take time to celebrate with God the fulfillment of His plan of rescue! Let’s praise the Creator of all and the Rescuer of humanity! And, inspired by those shepherds, let’s go a step further.
Let’s give the gift of our presence to those around us. Just as the shepherds showed up for Joseph and Mary, let’s show up for others in our lives. Be present in their biggest moments, share in their joys, and lend a supportive shoulder in their challenges. Sometimes, the simple act of being there can be the greatest gift.
In the midst of the festive chaos, let’s not forget the power of encouragement. Like the shepherds who brought excitement to a manger, let’s bring encouragement to those who need it. Your words and actions can be a source of light and hope, just like the dazzling radiance that surrounded those shepherds on that extraordinary night.
And as we celebrate this season, let’s share this good news with others. God loves humans and still rescues us from the messes of our lives! After all, the story of Christmas is not just a tale from the past; it’s an ongoing narrative that we continue to write with our own gifts of love and grace.
It was nighttime in the hills outside of Bethlehem. The shepherds were hard at work keeping their flocks safe. You could hear the sheep bleating occasionally and the breeze across the fields. As they watched over the flock, talking amongst themselves, there was suddenly a great brightness with a man in the middle of it. I’m sure they reacted like I would, with a startled jump and a scream. As the man spoke, they felt an unexplainable sense of peace and calmness as God’s angel told them not to be afraid. As this heavenly messenger continued to tell the shepherds about the long-awaited birth of the Messiah, a great company of angels appeared, singing praises to God. Then, as suddenly as they appeared, the messengers of God ascended back into heaven.
The shepherds responded immediately. They went to “see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about” (Luke 2:15-16). They not only left the sheep, they also immediately believed what God, through His angels, had told them. Something so grand and momentous that angels were heralding; they just had to see it!
I can see them talking among themselves as they searched for the manger; “Did we really see that?” “Can this truly be the Messiah?” “He is supposed to be born in Bethlehem according to prophecy.” “Why did God choose us to tell? We are not royalty or Temple Priests?”
After the shepherds experienced Jesus in person, they left changed and excited. Scripture tells us that they returned to their field, “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20). Their experience that night had a radical effect on them. Can you see them walking back to the pastures, singing, and praising God? Can you hear the excitement in their voices as they tell those they meet on the way? Can you see the amazement on their friends’ and families’ faces as they share the experience with them when they go home?
As God gave us the greatest gift ever given, His Son, the Messiah – our Savior, the shepherds gave back to God with their response. They responded with trust and belief. Not only did the shepherds believe the angel’s message, they also trusted God to watch over the sheep as they left the fields to see the miraculous event. Even if they went to see the manger in shifts, the sheep would only be partially protected. They made Jesus their number-one priority that night.
After they experienced Jesus, they responded to God’s gift with the gifts of their praise and exaltation. Not only did they honor God through their praises, but they also honored God through sharing their experience with others.
As we think about the birth of Jesus so long ago, take a few minutes to picture the scene as the shepherds were surprised by God’s heavenly messengers. Picture the stillness being broken by the chorus of angels. The darkness giving way to light. How would you respond to the message that the long-awaited Messiah had been born?
Now, picture yourself standing before a manger with a baby lying in it. The angels said this was God’s promised Messiah. What are your thoughts as you look upon the hope of mankind lying in a stable in a manger? Like the shepherds, having encountered Immanuel – God with Us, would you tell others your experience? Would you praise God for allowing you to be a part of His plan?
Now, let’s think about today. God gave us the gift of a Savior that first Christmas day. Jesus went on to die a horrible death on a cross and pay for every bad thing that you, or I, will ever do. How do we respond to that? What gifts do we give back in thanksgiving to God? Is God a priority in our lives or a convenience? Are we willing to make time for Jesus? Are we filled to overflowing as the shepherds were? Do we go about praising and thanking God? Do we share our experience of God with others?
What gifts do you give back to God? I challenge you and myself to follow the shepherd’s example. Make Jesus your top priority. Believe the message you have been given and respond with praise and thanksgiving. Like the shepherds, go investigate. Read God’s word. Spend time in His presence. Then, tell others about how you have experienced God in your life.
“All the things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully.” Ignatius of Loyola
Joseph, the earthly stepfather of Jesus, is a misunderstood and unappreciated hero of the New Testament and the earthly father of God’s heavenly Son. Let that sink in; it could not have been easy.
Jesus was the true offspring of Mary and the Holy Spirit. Male humanity was not involved. That is unprecedented. How do you respond to that as a father? How do you manage that as a family? As we revisit this story, let’s remember that they lived this. They were people with passions just like us (James 5:17).
It had to be a crazy adventure for Joseph, and it all started with a bang. One day, he hears from his betrothed, Mary, that she has become pregnant by a miraculous work of God. His life and future now appear ruined. As he is trying to figure out what to do, an angel shows up to comfort him. He tells him it’s true and what he must do. He obeys.
The next couple of years are a whirlwind of intrigue and near catastrophes. Faced with the societal consequences of a pregnancy outside of marriage, they quietly slip out of Nazareth. Any public knowledge would jeopardize Jesus’ future involvement in the synagogue. They probably stayed with Zacharias and Elizabeth before going on to Bethlehem – only three miles further down the road. Guided by Old Testament prophecies predicting the birth in Bethlehem, the census serves as a perfect cover for their discreet relocation.
After Jesus’ birth and after fulfilling the Temple requirements, Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth. The Magi, guided by a divine hand, miraculously find them. They honor the child with lavish gifts. After the Magi leave, God intervenes once again, waking Joseph in the night with a dire warning: “Get up and leave immediately, Herod’s men are coming for you and the child.” (Matthew 2:13). The family barely makes it out of town in time. They go to Sepphoris, a bustling nearby Roman city, and then travel to Egypt. They use the gifts from the Magi as money to live on until Herod is dead, and they can return to Nazareth.
The adventure continues. What father comes prepared to raise the sinless Son of God? Even though Jesus was fully human, aspects of His desires and motivations had to be at odds with their lifestyle and expectations. Joseph essentially had joint custody of Jesus with the God of the universe. How does that work? Jesus may not even have looked like His half-brothers and half-sisters. Jesus, as the oldest son, would have been expected to take over the family business. But, He had no desire for that. He spent most of His time in the synagogue reading the scriptures or alone in prayer with His heavenly Father. This had to cause tension within the family.
They knew Jesus’ significance as the Messiah but struggled to understand His path. Tradition anticipated a great leader like King David. No one realized that the Messiah should first come as a Suffering Servant and die for their sins on the Cross. How could they grasp that He was the human-born Son of God? Who thinks of that as a possibility?
There was an instance when Jesus was 12 when His family traveled to Jerusalem. Something they did every year. But this year, Jesus decided to stay and didn’t feel the need to tell anybody. A day later, while on the road, Joseph and Mary realized He was missing. After frantically searching through their extended family, they traveled back to Jerusalem. Three more days, and they finally found Him in the temple, casually conversing with the priests. Astonished, Mary asks the standard parent question, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been beside ourselves looking for you.” I’ve been there as a father, and probably so have you.
Jesus responds flatly, “Why have you been looking for me, wouldn’t you know that I would be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) Think about that. He’s telling His earthly father that he should’ve known he would be in his heavenly Father’s house. Wow! Joint custody is a difficult thing. Especially when the other father is God. Even Jesus had to be a teenager once.
Jesus goes back with them to Nazareth, and this is the last we hear of Joseph. By the time Jesus started His ministry, if Joseph were still alive, he would be around 50 years old. Most men didn’t live that long.
Jesus, of course, never took over the family business, and His ministry and teachings ultimately got Him killed. The family only fully grasped Jesus’ identity as the Son of God after His resurrection. However, none of this would’ve happened without Joseph and his thankless efforts. He never fully comprehended his prominent place in eternal history.
“And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.” Hebrews 11:39-40
When you hear his story this Christmas, realize these were real people. Ordinary people, walking out their part within the big picture of God. They didn’t understand it all. We are just like them.
Take time to reflect on these people. Allow this meditation to deepen your appreciation of the profound journey they undertook. Then consider that you, too, have a role in God’s plan. You may not see it or understand it, but God and you are at work on one beautiful story.
The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit. So her husband, Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly. But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated “God is with us.” When Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. And he named him Jesus. Matthew 1:18-19 (CSB)
While reading the Gospel of Matthew, my thoughts wandered to Joseph and the emotional upheaval he must have experienced upon discovering Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant. Contemplating the disappointment and uncertainty that arise when our plans diverge from God’s plan, I marveled at Joseph’s reaction.
In a society where he had the legal right, according to the law of Moses, to have Mary stoned for adultery, Joseph’s response was unexpectedly compassionate. Instead of exposing Mary to public disgrace, he chose a quieter path, walking away with a shattered heart rather than seeking her harm. The compassion in his natural reaction closely resembles that of The Father’s compassion towards us. Surely, this is why he was chosen to be the earthly father of our Lord Jesus.
As I get older, Joseph is easily becoming my favorite “character” in the Christmas story. His quiet obedience speaks volumes and stirs my own faith. While we acknowledge Mary’s obedience and understand Joseph’s role in staying with Mary, raising Jesus, and imparting his trade to him, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the enormity of what Joseph was asked to do.
An upstanding man in the community, Joseph was asked to risk his reputation to raise a child that was not biologically his; in fact, he was asked to believe that this baby was God’s Son! The pressure of being asked to guide and protect the very Son of our Creator adds extraordinary dimension to Joseph’s role. He wasn’t just called to raise Mary’s child but to safeguard the Savior of the entire world. This included journeys to Bethlehem while Mary was with child and later fleeing to Egypt to shield Jesus from King Herod’s threat (Matthew 2:13-20). Without Joseph’s protective presence shielding them from danger, who’s to say what could have happened to Mary and Jesus?
Joseph’s obedience isn’t a grand spectacle like Jesus’ glory or Mary’s sacrifice. Instead, it’s found in the steady, quiet steps of a simple “yes.” It’s a willingness to step back and humbly submit to another’s call. In Joseph’s case, he became the sturdy foundation of the holy family, ensuring that Mary had everything she needed to fulfill her calling. Let’s not allow Joseph’s obedience to fade into the background. May our own faith and response to God’s call, and the calls on the lives of those around us, be anything but ordinary.
As we reflect on Christ’s birth, we recognize that each person in the story carries a message for the Church today. Looking at Joseph, I find inspiration in his quiet strength and unwavering commitment to God’s plan. May this same spirit reside in us.
Father, thank You that we get to know about Christ’s birth and that You have a message for your Church today wrapped in each one of the people involved in the story. As we look at Joseph, I am inspired by his quiet strength and his unwavering commitment to Your plan. Do that in us, Lord. Help us to walk more like Joseph. May the Holy Spirit fill us so much that integrity, compassion, humility, and willingness to serve You flourish like wildflowers at the river. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 ESV
Not too long ago, I found myself happily committing to a task for someone I care about. I knew it would take me ages to complete, and though I was paid, it wasn’t really for the money. I was happy because my friend was happy. However, weeks into the project, not even halfway through, I found myself grumbling. Shamefully, more than once. The turning point came when I heard the soft yet strong voice of Holy Spirit, questioning, “Wait a minute now, why did you start this to begin with?” “To make my friend happy,” I replied. “Then why are you complaining about the details? You knew the cost, calculated it, and still chose to give the gift of your time.”
I fell silent internally, and my mouth clamped shut. I repented for my attitude and my words spoken and the ones I had selfishly thought but not yet spoken. Holy Spirit was, of course, right. I had lost joy in my giving. When I held my first child in my arms, he was only a few months old at Christmas time, and I found myself wondering, as I have many times since if Mary ever lost joy in her giving.
Reflecting on moments of giving, I thought about Mary, who carried a life and surrendered herself entirely, her whole person. And her commitment wasn’t just from 9 am to 5 pm. And it wasn’t only for the waking hours. No, her commitment was a 24/7 “yes” for 9 months. That’s 280 days!
I wonder if, during any of her many restless pregnant nights, when she had to get up to pee, again, did she wonder if all of this was worth it. Did she stop mid-task, stretch her strained back, wipe away the abundance of sweat in the most uncomfortable places, and think, “How much longer?” Did she groan with pain in the work of bringing our Lord into the world and think, “Why did I say yes?!” As lovers of Jesus, we may enthusiastically say “yes” to the Lord, knowing the cost, but harbor regret and a desire to repent (go another direction) when we find ourselves groaning from the actual labor we committed to. Maybe Mary was better than me. I like to think so. And since the Word doesn’t mention it either way, we can reasonably conclude Mary maintained her joy, trusting God would honor her for her gift, even when tired or sore.
For Mary to maintain her joy, she must have keyed into the wisdom of God’s Word: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you (we) may discern what is the will of God—what is good, acceptable, and perfect.” His good and perfect will doesn’t always come through easy avenues. Rather, it is achieved through rough terrain and requires us to harness both mind and body to focus on His ways and not our own. This calls for the constant renewal of our thoughts and the attitude of our hearts, allowing us to experience His joy when we find ourselves within His good and perfect will. Mary’s “yes” symbolized a profound gift—she offered her body as a home for our Savior. Every ounce of her time, energy, and being was devoted to bringing Immanuel, God with us, into our lives. What an extraordinary gift!
Celebrating Christmas can, and in our culture often does, turn into a chore. While some commitments may serve as enjoyable distractions, a handful encapsulate the true spirit of Christmas. In the coming month, a multitude of opportunities will arise for us to give gifts and dedicate ourselves to a plethora of worthy causes and joyful occasions. It may be having that lonely neighbor over for a Christmas feast or stopping to take care of a person you see in need. You may be late and rushing off to Christmas Eve service and see a family with a flat or in need of a battery boost.
Brothers and sisters, if you come to your wit’s end or find yourself weary and achy, it’s crucial to remember, even in fatigue, to present your body, renew your mind, and experience the joy and gift of aligning with God’s good and perfect will.
When we contemplate Jesus, we recognize Him as God’s Son—the most significant person ever born on Earth. Equally, He was Mary’s son. Mary, chosen to carry the Son of God in her womb, must have been extraordinary. God bestowed upon her the most profound gift, knowing her heart to be one of humility, courage, and righteousness. Her fearlessness to face multiple tests is evident.
Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery; a woman in Mary’s situation would have faced stoning. And what was Mary’s situation? She was a pregnant woman who was unmarried. Can you fathom the thoughts that raced through Mary’s mind as she proceeded with God’s plan? What was she thinking when the angel Gabriel proclaimed her blessed and favored by God, destined to conceive the Son of God through divine impregnation?
The Gospel of Luke provides insight into Mary’s thoughts. In Luke Chapter 1, Mary asks, “How can this be?” Her mind was greatly troubled and disturbed, wondering about the nature of Gabriel’s greeting. I’m sure she wondered how she could be picked for this amazing event, but also how? How would she become pregnant without intimacy with a man? Amidst her questions and puzzlement, she said yes, declaring, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38)
I wonder if she had doubts about what had just happened and what would happen. After Gabriel’s departure, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, who, in her old age, was also pregnant through an act of God. As Mary approached, Elizabeth’s baby leaped for joy, confirming the reality of the extraordinary event. Mary’s doubt dissipated; it was happening just as Gabriel had said. This was the confirmation. There was no going back. It was real.
Can you imagine what it was like when Mary told Joseph? I believe he was shocked and afraid. Should he still marry her? Matthews’s gospel tells us he was going to divorce her privately. This was so no harm would come to her. Surely, Mary began to doubt Joseph’s trust, devotion, and love for her. But God brought him into alignment through a dream, leading them to marry and eventually travel to Bethlehem, where Mary was ready to give birth. Even under these unbelievable circumstances, Joseph stayed by her side. Joseph’s incredibly generous gift of loyalty and devotion must have helped Mary overcome any fear or doubt that had crept in.
In the humble setting of a stable, Jesus was born. If I were Mary, I would have wondered how the child she bore could really be the Son of God. How could God’s son be born in a stable, not a palace? Even with everything Mary had experienced thus far, could there be reason to doubt once again? But then at their doorstep stood shepherds and later wise men from afar, proclaiming Jesus, her son, to be the Savior Israel had long been awaiting.
Throughout moments of doubt, God remained faithful to Mary, bringing others into her life and gifting her with faith. Mary, a wise woman, must have had the confidence to proceed after Gabriel’s visit, knowing God’s plan extended beyond Jesus’s birth. But God used others to help her faith along the way.
Luke 2:19 tells us Mary treasured and pondered everything in her heart. It makes me wonder if she knew more was to come. When Mary and Joseph had Jesus dedicated at the Temple, in accordance with Jewish Law and practice, they were approached by a man named Simeon. Simeon told Mary of Jesus’s destiny and the sword that would pierce Mary’s soul. Despite not comprehending all her son would face or accomplish, God sent people to Mary to declare His purposes and will for His son, providing her with faith for the future.
Mary was indeed a woman of faith, courage, and honor. She accepted God’s invitation to bear His son. If she had not, who knows what might have happened? But the gift of her life and faith, which impacts every believer, is one we should emulate. Amidst doubt and uncertainty, like Mary, we can choose to trust. So, as we celebrate Christmas this year, it is fitting to remember and honor Mary. Let’s give thanks to God for her life and her story. Her story, not merely a tale, was a real girl’s life, recorded under the direction of the Holy Spirit and shared with us to encourage our faith.
Take a moment to reflect on the people whom God has brought into your life to encourage your faith. Have there been those who faced similar challenges, letting you know that you are not alone? Think about those who remained steadfast and devoted during uncertain times. Were there moments when people unexpectedly appeared, dispelling doubt just when you needed it? Reflect on those who uplift you with encouraging words and speak into the possibilities of your future. Take a pause and express your gratitude. Consider reaching out to them to let them know.
Also, consider how you can be a source of encouragement for others. How can you lead a life that produces faith in those around you? Together, let’s trust God for extraordinary things and miraculous possibilities—both for ourselves and for one another. Just as Mary responded to God’s call with, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said,” let’s embrace a spirit of willingness and faith.
