So [the shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
(Luke 2:16-20)

Christmas blessings to you and yours! May you, like Mary, ponder the deep meaning of Jesus’ birth this Christmas week. May you, like the shepherds, glorify and praise God for the Christ child’s birth and spread the word concerning him.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

P.S. Look for the next edition of the prayer blog on January 11.