And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:13-19 (KJV)
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:34-35 (KJV)
Life and Death
We are not told if Mary pondered these sayings also. But as a mother, I certainly would have!
Holding a baby in your arms doesn’t bring thoughts of death, but life. However, in reality, we are born to die.
Some may think that to be a grim outlook on Christmas while others may find it liberating.
Think of all the things one might lay aside if one lived as if they were dying. The busyness of our days would definitely slow to a more reasonable pace. Our to-do list would become nonexistent.
And those grudges, misunderstandings, and arguments, well, I’m sure we wouldn’t have the time nor the inclination to “hold” to them any longer.
We would drop the pretense and say what we mean. Hold our loved ones a little tighter. Determine to make a difference in our world. The simple things would become the important things. Yes, life would be different.
In her book, Jesus, Life Coach: Learn From The Best, Laurie Beth Jones tells the story a friend shared with her.
Joe Matthews’ best friend’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and given a short time to live. Joe watched as this couple began living with that knowledge. Near the end, Joe asked the wife how it felt to live each day knowing you were dying. Her answer was, “Joe, what does it feel like to live each day pretending that you are not?”
Celebrate
I love the story of Christmas. It’s the story of life—and death. It’s the reason we celebrate! His life brought hope and His death brought life. I could never repay Him for what He’s done for me. So I will rejoice in His coming and consider His sacrificial love during this season of celebration while wishing everyone I meet a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings
Gail Johnson 