Reading: Luke 2: 15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So, they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 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. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Reflection

As we continue our series of devotions around “The Messages of Christmas,” today we look at love. Yesterday, we looked at the shepherds and the joy of the message that they heard from the angels. Two thoughts come to my mind on this Christmas Day.

After we are done celebrating this gift that came into the world in Jesus Christ, what is our response? We see today that the shepherds and the angels praised God. We should, too. We should express to others what God means to us and make a joyful noise!

The second thought: look what Mary did. I can imagine Mary just holding Jesus and spending a lot of time thinking about what this meant. She held the real gift of Christmas. The biggest message of this day is this gift that we receive through Jesus—salvation and eternal life. Even on this day where we ponder the beginning of his earthly life, we should also remember Jesus’ death and resurrection—what he does for us on the cross and at the empty tomb.

And so, on this Christmas Day, I share another verse with you to ponder in your heart as you hold this incredible gift of love from Jesus:

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. (I John 3: 16-18)

As Jesus is a gift to us, may you be a gift to others! Merry Christmas.

–Chad Hershberger

Prayer   

For your love and the sacrifice of your son, we give you thanks, God. As we feel this love on this day and every day, may we share it with others near and far.

Amen.