'Astonishment, Treasuring, and Praise' - Luke 2:16-20

[The shepherds who had been told by an angel about Jesus' birth] hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary [treasured] [1] all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

[1] Luke 2:19 NIV.

—Luke 2:16-20 NLT

Key Thought​

If we allow the birth of Jesus to touch us, it can produce the same three types of reactions in us as for those who were originally touched by it:

1. The villagers were astonished at the story — and so are we, because God loves us so much that he sent his Son.
2. Mary stored the words and events in her heart like a treasure — and so do we, when we read the story of Jesus with love, joy, and anticipation.
3. The shepherds returned to their work, but they did so with joy and praise knowing that their world would never be the same — and we have the same reason for glorifying and praising God.

God has come and visited us. He has shown us his love. He has ensured us that life doesn't have to have its normal boundaries. So we greet this story and this child with astonishment, taking in each event and every word as a treasure while offering our heartfelt praise to God for his gracious love.

Today's Prayer​

O Almighty God, so majestic and yet so accessible, thank you for drawing near us when we could not draw near you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Mark 6:45-51
• Matthew 13:44
• Mark 11:8-10

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Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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[SingerGarrett]

Sheperds who saw the glory of the Lord and were praising and adoring Him who lives forever. What a wonderful example to all Christians to praise, honor and glorify the Lord wherever we are.

 

[Rizakar]

It is amazing the way we all end up treasuring every word the Bible tells us about the birth of Jesus and His life. How wonderful to have the Word of God to read and remind us of His great love and every moment of his life and death and resurrection. Glory to God!