What we can see with our eyes, and believe in our hearts, the road to the stable and delivery was long and hard.
As Mary remembered what had taken place; the Angel Gabriel telling her news that would alter the direction of her life forever.
You can imagine her exhaustion and sadness, for she had left her family and being great with child and weary from traveling.
I am also sure she was overwhelmed with the thought of this little baby boy being someone very special.
Just as the baby that Elizabeth had delivered.
As they rested she probably thought back on the conversations she had shared with Elizabeth and Zachariah.
She remembered how Elizabeth’s baby responded as she spoke a word and how powerful it was in the moment.
Remembering also the reaction of Elizabeth when seeing Mary.
We can imagine that this birth was so life changing and so miraculous both Mary and Joseph could barely take it all in. So much had to have been on her heart and mind.
Then to see the angels glorifying the sky with their presence.
The stars looking more bright with the intensity of light.
The next set of characters to arrive on the scene were the shepherds.
Luke tells us: [there were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood.
They had set night watches over the sheep.
Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them.
They were terrified.
The angel said, “don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide.
A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
This is what you’re to look for; a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises.
Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over.
“Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.”
They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
Seeing was believing. (This is what we see with our eyes.)
They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child.
All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they had been told!]