Listen

When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them.

Luke 2:15-18

Think

The Collins English Dictionary defines amazed as “filled with incredulity or surprise.” It can be the way you feel being a spectator at a magic show. You ask yourself: “How can this happen? Is this for real? I can’t believe this!” That is the way everyone reacted when they heard from the shepherds the story of their encounter with Jesus.

Sharing a story is something powerful. In the General Convention of the Episcopal Church last summer, I heard the sad stories of the treatment the indigenous people suffered during a dark time in the history of the United States – the way they were forced to give up their culture. It was hard to listen to, but it was necessary to learn from their struggles. I was thankful for those stories. We need to hear hard stories.

But today’s story is a happy one. It is a wonderful one. We also need to hear good stories. We need to share this story during so many challenging things happening in this world. Stories of love, kindness, and joy need to be heard over and over.

Ivette Linares-Rivera

Pray

God of wonder, today I ask for your guidance and wisdom, that you may guide me to share the story of your greatness and your love.

In this week that we celebrate the birth of Jesus in such a special way, let me share how special you can be in the lives of the people I encounter every day.

I ask this in the name of your son Jesus Christ, amen.

Go

Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad!

Philippians 4:4