And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 ESV

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:10-11 ESV

Mary and Joseph had finally made it to Bethlehem. When no room was to be found in the crowded town, a caring innkeeper offered them the only space he had, his stable. And so, God’s Son, our Savior, the Messiah, the Christ was born in the humblest of places, an animal stable.

The birth was unnoticed, uncelebrated, unwelcomed, and unimportant until…the angel appeared to the shepherds. The angel did not go to Herod or to the Pharisees or to the scribes or to the temple. The angel went to common men, the lowly shepherds and announced the good news for “all people” that in Bethlehem a Savior is born. The Messiah is here!

The Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled in the birth of the Lord Jesus. The shepherds believed, went into Bethlehem, and found the baby Jesus just as the angel had said. They praised God and worshipped the babe. Then they went and told all the people they met about the angel and the birth of the Messiah. They praised and glorified God.

I can’t imagine what Mary and Joseph are thinking. They have a son, God’s Son. The shepherds come and find them and share all that the angel proclaimed. They describe the angel chorus singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14 What will their future be? What will their son’s future be?

But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19 Mary doesn’t know her son’s future, only that He is God’s Son. But she treasures and ponders every comment as Jesus grows. Mary was at His birth and also at the cross.

This Christmas let’s treasure in our hearts, like Mary, God’s love given to all people as the greatest gift of all, His Son, Jesus, our Savior, and our Lord. And like the shepherds let’s share the good news of Jesus, the Messiah, born in Bethlehem thousands of years ago, but still forgiving and saving today.

I pray for a Merry Christmas for everyone!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me today in celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus on Christmas Day!

Blessings and joy as we share the good news with others!