"And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them." Luke 2:18 (ESV)

The angel came to the shepherds in the field, as they were minding their flocks, and the message of good news of great joy comes. Immediately the shepherds seek out this Savior and when they find him in the manger in Bethlehem, they proclaim the news they heard.

It was news that makes you marvel.

All who heard it wondered... This is the draw of the gospel that the grace of Christ, even the arrival of the King, makes us marvel that God would invade the mess of humanity to bring renewal, to bring redemption.

As the commotion of life pushes in it is increasingly hard to find the sense of marvel again. We end up marvel at lesser things as if they can bring the peace of God as if they will meet the yearning of our souls.

This is why Christmas is celebrated. It is meant to be a consistent reminder and invitation back to wonder. The wonder of the real Jesus. So we come, we read the story, we hear the message and we ask the Spirit to stir our souls to marvel again. To marvel so that we might share the Christmas cheer that is the gospel.

Let's lean in together. Let's sing the songs and remind each other of the glory of God in Christ. Let's marvel at this good news for all people together. Merry Christmas!