"Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them." Luke 2:20 (NKJV)
Sparkling lights, festive music, gifts under the tree. I love everything about Christmas!
One of my favorite memories is the family time we would have on Christmas Eve. A time of quiet and reflection. After snacks and singing carols, my dad would pull out the Bible and read in his bass voice, "And it came to pass in those days . . . "
And just like that, I was swept back in time, becoming part of this remarkable story. Camels and dust. People dressed in tunics. Marketplaces filled with the sights and sounds of ancient Israel.
Bring in two travelers . . . Mary, about to give birth to the long- awaited Messiah, and Joseph, desperately seeking shelter for them in a crowded town. Now bring in the shepherds. These "average Joes" were just doing normal life and looking after their sheep. They were about to get the biggest surprise of their lives!
Cue the angels! Suddenly, an angel appears, scares the shepherds, and boldly announces the birth of the Savior. After a spectacular moment of the heavenly hosts singing, the shepherds race off to find this baby spoken of. Joseph had found shelter by then and, where livestock were usually kept, baby Jesus was born. The shepherds find Him in a manger and rejoice in what they see. Mary ponders everything in her heart, and everyone who hears of what happened that night marvels at it all.
This is a story like no other. A story of wonders and miracles. Of salvation coming to people longing for a Savior. A story that's changed our world, changed me. It still thrills me to this day! Let this story become a part of your story. Like the shepherds, rejoice in finding Jesus. Let the wonder of it all bring new joy to you this Christmas season. y
Kim is from Six Nations of the Grand River in southern Ontario. Growing up in music ministry with her family, The Singing Hills, she now travels and sings with her husband, Kevin, and four boys. The Elias family lives on a farm near Carstairs, Alberta.
From Council Fire, Vol. 1. To enjoy more devotional thoughts from Indigenous writers, get your copies of one, two, or all three volumes of Council Fire. See page 18 to order.
