Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 2:15-20 | 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given. When God’s love and mercy invaded our landscape, scarred as it is, by death and guilt and struggle, it was a quiet unobtrusive entry. Yes, there was a 30-second blast of heavenly music from a celestial choir, but that was only seen by a few shepherds and their sheep. It was a hidden glory and its significance was known only to a few. Mary pondered the shepherd's report, that her child would be the world’s Savior, relieved to have a place for her child in a rough manger meant for feeding cattle. Strange cast and stranger location.
It was a quiet moment, now celebrated everywhere. Sing your favorite carol.
