DAY TEN

Day Ten

Some moments are so special we want to hold onto them forever. Things like seeing your child for the first time, getting that degree you worked so hard for, or having your whole family together for the holidays. These moments touch our hearts like nothing else.

After the shepherds leave, Mary has one of these moments.

Nine months earlier, an angel told her she would give birth to God’s Son (see Luke 1:35), and he would be called Immanuel – God is with us (see Matthew 1:23). After a miraculous pregnancy, she gives birth to her promised son, and only a few hours later, a group of shepherds arrive to see him. Then, at the sight of her little boy, the shepherds bow low to worship him.

Witnessing the sight of grown men on their knees in front of Jesus, Mary realizes this isn’t just her Jesus – He is their Jesus, their Savior, their King.

Mary takes all this in, thinking about every detail and cherishing everything God is doing.

We get to cherish this moment, too. We may not have heard about Jesus through an angelic visitation, but we are part of the story. Two thousand years later, at Christmas, we are the ones looking at Jesus in the manger, amazed by the reality of who he is and how we got here.

God has led us to Jesus. He has spoken to our hearts and drawn us near. He has rescued us from darkness and brought us into his light. He has given us the most beautiful gift – life with his precious Son. Everything in our lives is being transformed by his presence. And he is making us whole.

Take all of this in. Don’t let any of it slip by. This is the gift of Christmas. And God is giving it to you.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

Prayer

Jesus, you are the most amazing gift. I can’t believe everything you have done for me and all the goodness you bring into my life. Thank you for loving me. I love you, too.