This time of year we hear a lot about lists … 

The words… “He’s making a list, checking it twice gonna find out who’s naughty and nice” can send shivers up the spines of small boys and girls!

Soon gardeners will be making their own lists… What to plant, seeds to buy, supplies needed and on and on!

But for now, it’s 2 am and I have jet lag and am wondering about Mary. Did she have a list of things she “needed” or “wanted” for her new baby? If so, I doubt it included a long distance donkey ride, an animal trough, scratchy hay, smelly sheep, shepherds or even angels. Her actual list we will never know, but we do know she heard from God, listened, trusted, obeyed and treasured. Joseph did too. May we always do the same. 

The Birth of Jesus

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Friends, Mr. G and I have recently had the pleasure of spending very special time with all our children and grandchlldren. We even had them all in the same country at the same time! Time to cook together, decorate, stay up too late, attend children’s Christmas programs and all the things families who live in different places never take for granted. I can tell you that WAS on our list AND we felt the blessing and joy making this season oh so special. 

I hope this season finds you filled with joy as we celebrate the greatest gift, given to all — the baby in the manger. 

Merry Christmas friends. So grateful for you. 

PS: Speaking of Joseph …

For King and Country has a wonderful song about what Joseph might be thinking through all this, things on his list, questions he had. The song is called The Carol of Joseph. Mr. G and I LOVE it. Listen / watch here.