“When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:18-19
The lowly shepherds have been in the direct presence of God, have received a message from an angel and had their fears relieved. In response, they have chosen to see for themselves the revelation given to them and have found that what they were told by God’s messenger is true. They are now moved to share their story of how the birth was announced to them. It is interesting that no one laughs at their story. No one questions them or asks to go see the spot where the angels appeared. No one wants a drawing or asks for their proof of their expertise in angelic matters. Instead, everyone is simply amazed. And Mary holds these things in her heart.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the simple joy of Christmas filled us with such amazement? Wouldn’t it be good to just accept the birth of Christ in our hearts without knit-picking, questioning, examining and looking for faults? Wouldn’t it be great if we told our own faith story with all the excitement and conviction of these simple shepherds?
It certainly would.
God, you have revealed, been present, shaken us from sleep and entered our lives. But we have yet to really go and confirm this for ourselves or share it with too many people. We spend too much time just rationalizing why we should avoid doing these things. Forgive us, God, forgive us. Amen.
Copyright 2008 Amelia G. Sims
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