The story of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:8-20 is one we know so well: shepherds in the fields, angels proclaiming peace, and Mary treasuring it all in her heart.
But have you ever paused to ask: Where am I in this story?
As I recently reflected on this passage with our online group of women, I invited them to step into the narrative, asking the Lord to reveal their place in it. “Are you worshiping with the angels, proclaiming the good news like the shepherds, or quietly pondering it all like Mary?”
I found myself pondering it all first like Mary and then like the Shepherds, invited to drop everything and to enjoy the wonder!
Some of the women found themselves worshiping with the angels, another found herself wrapped snugly with baby Jesus.
It was a powerful time together inviting Holy Spirit to speak to us through the narrative. Below are some thoughts that came in our time together…
This extraordinary story invites us to receive God’s peace and joy—even in the mess…
God’s Glory in Unexpected Places
The angels didn’t announce Jesus’ birth to kings or in bustling cities. Instead, they appeared to shepherds in the quiet fields at night – in the middle of nowhere. The message of peace and joy came to the most isolated, lowly, and overlooked people.
This reminds us of a powerful truth: no darkness or isolation is beyond God’s reach. He sends His light into the very places we think are unreachable. His peace can invade the messiest, darkest corners of our lives.
- “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5
Where do you feel isolated or overwhelmed this season?
Invite the Lord into those spaces, knowing that His peace can shine even there.
Receiving the Invitation
The shepherds stopped everything to witness the miraculous. They left their work, their routines, and perhaps even their doubts to seek the Baby in the manger. How often do we get so caught up in our “doing” that we forget to pause and marvel at God’s wonder?
In this busy season, I sense the Lord’s gentle invitation:
“Stop doing. Be still. Let wonder fill your heart.”
- “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
The shepherds didn’t just hear about Jesus—they went to see Him. They received the message of peace and joy, and their lives were changed.
Where might God be asking you to pause, reflect, and receive His peace today?
Pondering Like Mary
Mary’s response was another beautiful response, though different from the shepherds’ exuberance. She treasured and pondered everything in her heart. She didn’t have all the answers, but she trusted the One who did.
In the same way, we don’t need to have everything figured out. We’re invited to ponder, trust, and rest in the knowledge that God is with us.
- “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” — Luke 2:19
What might God be asking you to treasure this Christmas season?
How can you create space to reflect on His peace and joy in your life?
A Messy and Beautiful Gift
The beauty of the Christmas story is its simplicity and humility. God didn’t come in grandeur you’d expect from a King, but in the most unusual way—born in a manger, announced to shepherds, and wrapped in swaddling cloths. It’s a reminder that God brings peace and joy into our mess, not apart from it.
- “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” — Luke 2:14
This season, may we marvel at the light that shines in the darkness, the peace that meets us in the chaos, and the joy that is ours in Christ.
Light in the darkness...
Peace in the mess...
Glory to the lowly...
A Prayer for the Season
“Lord, thank You for coming in such an unexpected, beautiful way. You shine Your light in the darkness and offer peace and joy in the mess of life. Help me to pause, receive Your gift of peace, and stand in wonder at what You’ve done. May I proclaim Your glory and share the excitement with others. Thank You for coming for us, for us who feel lowly and unworthy. I worship You, my Savior. Amen.”
This Christmas, join me in slowing down to reflect on where we find ourselves in this story and embrace the peace and joy Jesus brings—right in the midst of our everyday lives.
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht
Life Coach & Spiritual Director / www.merriellen.com
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