In this section of the Christmas story from Luke 2:15-19 the shepherds were tending their sheep, minding their own business when an angel appeared to them to announce the birth of Jesus. They were startled and filled with fear as the angel greeted them with the good news. But without hesitation the shepherds visited the Christ child and paid homage to the newborn King. This humble act of the shepherds serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of responding to the good news.
The Christmas Story – The Shepherds Visit the Christ Child
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.
And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. – Luke 2:15-19 NASB
What Child is This?
The Christmas passage from Luke above reminds me of one of my favorite carols. So, I thought I’d share the lyrics with you below ..
What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary.
The Shepherds visit Mary and Baby Jesus – Expectations
Many of the Jewish priests and common people alike were expecting a Savior to deliver them from Roman rule. Others hoped that Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments. They believed that the Messiah would bring salvation and justice to the people of Israel, and that He would restore the kingdom and reunite the twelve tribes. In the end, they all shared the same hope for a better future when the Messiah would come.
Message From Mary
I would like to add a side note to this passage. I am infatuated with the simple statement at the end (verse 19) which says;
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
I am not positively sure what this means but my humble interpretation is that all the things that were happening in Mary’s life were just now becoming a reality for her.
The Magnitude of It All
Mary (most likely only 15 or 16 years old) had a child which was to be the King of all mankind though she was almost still a child herself.
The happenings of the previous weeks and months may have seemed like a dream to her and now she is waking up to the realism of it all. Can you imagine what may have been going though her mind?
What a responsibility for a young woman to bear!
Mary’s Role
Mary has to raise the Messiah and become known as the mother of God. I feel that Mary must have “pondered” many of these things in her heart. Gives me a lump in my throat and makes me want to reach out and comfort her.
Love in Christ
– Bob
To discover how you can receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read here ..
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