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By Mike Caton

Luke 2:16-20, “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.”

You might think that when they found the baby the angel had told them about, that would be mission accomplished. But there is more to the story. Those shepherds had seen something that was unbelievable. Who could imagine an angel appearing with such good news, and then the multitude of angels, and then they found everything just as the angel had said. They had to tell someone, anyone, everyone! And they went back to their sheep glorifying and praising God.

Everyone who heard what the shepherds said was amazed. But I wonder how much farther it went. Did anyone go to find the newborn and the family? Did they take pity on them, not having anywhere to stay? Did anyone bring them diapers, wipes, chicken soup or some cookies? We are not told, but I think I would have wanted to go and see this for myself. And I’d hope my heart would be moved with compassion for them, in the tight situation they were in. You know, maybe it is getting older, but it seems there are more and more folks I see who are in need and I realize I can help at least some of those folks. And I think the Lord has blessed me to be a blessing to them.

And then there is Mary, pondering all these things in her heart. From the news Elizabeth was pregnant, to Gabriel’s visit to her, to Joseph’s reaction and his change of heart, visiting Elizabeth, the trip to Bethlehem, to the arrival of the shepherds, Mary has a lot to think about. Maybe we would do well to ponder some of these things as well. And maybe we need to ponder the things that happen in our own lives. And if we really consider those things, maybe we can see Jesus as well. Or maybe we can see where we need to be looking for him.

Father, let this be the most meaningful Christmas ever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works full time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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