Daily Devotional for Friday 22nd December
Treasure the Gift
The shepherds, having received the extraordinary message from the angels, wasted no time! They hurried off to find Mary, Joseph and the new-born Saviour lying in the manger. Their response was one of excitement, joy and a sense of urgency to witness the fulfilment of the divine promise.
And when they had found Jesus, the shepherds themselves became the bearers of good news. They shared the angelic proclamation, and all who heard it were amazed! The shepherds’ testimony served as a bridge connecting the heavenly revelation to the earthly reality of the Messiah’s arrival.
Meanwhile, Mary, in the midst of the marvel and commotion, provides a model of contemplation. She treasured and pondered all these things in her heart. Mary took time to reflect and absorb the significance of the events unfolding around her.
The shepherds, having fulfilled their role as messengers, returned to their fields transformed. Their response was not merely one of duty completed, but of hearts overflowing with praise and glorification of God. They couldn’t contain the joy that had been kindled in their souls.
As we reflect on our passage today, let us take a moment to think about how we respond to the presence of Jesus in or lives. Are we eager, like the shepherds to seek him and share the good news with others? Do we take moments like Mary, to treasure and ponder the depth of God’s love and grace?
Time to reflect…
The shepherds couldn’t contain their joy and shared the good news of Jesus with others.
Is there someone we could share our testimony with?
Mary took time to reflect and absorb the significance of the events unfolding around her. In the busyness of this advent season, as we get closer to Christmas, let’s take some time to treasure the good news of Jesus, and how he transforms our lives and brings us joy.
Pause to pray…
Dear Lord Jesus,
May our lives echo the shepherd’s proclamation and Mary’s contemplation. May we eagerly seek your presence, share your good news with those around us and take time to treasure and ponder the miraculous work of God in our lives. We ask that our hearts be filled with joy, glorifying and praising God for your gift, just as the shepherds did on that wondrous night in Bethlehem. Amen
