A baby was born to a teenage girl, and He saved the whole world. That’s the reason for the season: to remember and celebrate that we are saved. We should be grateful for what we have and we share gifts with each other, to celebrate God giving us his one and only son. The true meaning of the season gets lost in translation and buried in gifts and decorations and parties… but I hope we can all take the time to remember why we have this holiday and what it truly means.
Luke 2:15-20 (from the New International Version):
15 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.
From the humblest of beginnings, born in a manger to a virgin, unmarried girl, Jesus rocked the world more than one single person ever has. The sight of him was so amazing that the kings and shepherds traveled to see him, even the animals were aware of his presence, as I hope we can be aware of him in our own lives today.
Mary’s righteous “yes”, undoubting faith, and everlasting love allowed her to become our perfect example of motherhood and grace. Mary and Joseph fully embraced God’s plans for their lives, even when they were scared and outcast. They trusted God with their lives, and he destined them for greatness.
I’m taking this season to reflect on scripture and sit in awe of all that God has done for us. Today, I’m doing my best to be present as I celebrate with my family as we share in all the joys of Christmas.
