Luke 2:13-20
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Recall our last passage, Luke 2:8-12, and then read Luke 2:13-20 imagining that you are there.
We know from the opening lines of Luke’s Gospel that before he wrote anything, he carefully researched the life of Jesus in order to write an accurate account. So we can surmise that Luke conducted interviews, if not with the same people who experienced these events, then with people who had heard the stories first-hand. This is one of the reasons Luke provides details that do not appear in the other three Gospels.
The story the shepherds told was indeed astonishing, and no one was likely to forget what the shepherds experienced in that field in the dark of night or what they found when they ran to the village afterward.
Imagine again that you were there seeing and hearing the “armies of heaven” praising God. Then imagine following the angel’s instructions and finding the baby just as the angel said you would. Take some time to picture all of this.
Have you ever experienced something that you were sure was a sign from God or guidance from God? Take time to remember this and then talk openly with Jesus about what happened afterward.
Read Luke 2:13-20 again noticing Mary’s reaction to the shepherd’s story.
Mary was not in the field when the angel appeared or when the armies of heaven began to sing. She was recovering from labor and childbirth in an animal enclosure. Though we know that Mary was encouraged and affirmed by the prophetic declaration of her cousin Elizabeth early in her pregnancy, we don’t know what questions or doubts she struggled with when she returned home unmarried with a growing belly. And we also have no idea what she was thinking when she and Joseph made the long trip to Bethlehem in the late stages of her pregnancy.
The story of the shepherds must have been like balm to her weary soul. It was all true. She had given birth to Savior of the world and he was there sleeping in the manger in front of her. She tucked this confirmation away in her heart along with Elizabeth’s prophecy so the next time she wondered, she could pull out these precious reassurances from God and lay any doubts to rest.
Think back over your life and try to identify one or two instances when you received assurance from God. Take time to turn these over in your mind and contemplate God’s care for you. If you can’t think of anything, consider asking God for such an experience.
Now get quiet and simply listen to Jesus.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do today?
Will you?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
