Christmas ponderings

One of my favorite traditions about Christmas is reading the Christmas story with my family before we open our gifts.  It wouldn't be Christmas without it!  But if you're like me, you've heard it countless times throughout your life.  We get immune to the details of our Savior's birth.  This year, I wanted to look at the story in a new light.  Several things have helped me with this- my school's Christmas program, studying my Sunday School lesson (Bible-in-Life by David C. Cook) to teach my Kindergarten and First Grade students tomorrow at church, and reading a book called, A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers. 

Just a few thoughts that may challenge you as well~

~ The shepherds were considered lowly in their society because of their profession.  Since they had to care for their sheep all hours of the day and night, they did not have time to follow the many rules and regulations of their day, which resulted in another reason for their fellow men to look down on them.  It was special that God chose to bring the the Good News to these shepherds as they cared for their sheep, a symbol of the Lamb of God.

~ Mary and Joseph were only Jesus' earthly parents.  What His Heavenly Father thought of Him was of the most importance.  Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was special and that He was the Messiah, but they did not know how or when this would be revealed to the rest of the world.  Can you imagine keeping such a secret?  It's no wonder Mary pondered these things in her heart.  She loved her special son with all her heart and eventually had to watch Him die on a cross for the sins of the world, for her sins.

~ Jesus grew up like other children, yet He was different.  I wonder if those around Him realized that, besides His parents.  He was blameless, even as a child.  What an example to each of us.  If we follow Christ, than we should be different as well.  We're aren't called to blend in; we're called to stick out!

I encourage you to take a few minutes to once again read the account of Christ's birth.  If something sticks out to you, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Blessings,
Janelle