A Christmas Reflection

This Christmas, whether you are…

Receiving the rewards of patient waiting, like Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Facing financial difficulty or societal rejection, like the shepherds.

Eager to share your gifts with the world, like the magi.

Unsure what the future will hold after your plans change, like Mary.

Trying to be supportive and encouraging, even at great costs to your reputation or personal ambitions, like Joseph.

Feeling overwhelmed by expectations or commitments to the point where you can’t give any more, like the inn keepers.

Or expressing your joy as you live into the purposes and promises of God, like the angels.

I hope that you feel part of the Christmas story this year. God didn’t have to create us or give us important work to do, yet He chooses us because of His love for us. Let us rejoice in these promises today, and every day. No matter what today looks like for you, you are loved, seen, and treasured. Merry Christmas ❤

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.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:15-20

Christmas Challenge

Read through Luke 1-2 and write down three things about the Christmas story that resonate with you this year. Did you notice anything different? How can this story, whether familiar or not, bring you peace and hope this Christmas?