The holidays bring out many different emotions. For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas are times of joy, love, and sometimes sadness. These emotions aren’t just felt by us today, but the people in the Bible also experienced them during the birth of Jesus. In fact, the Bible describes the emotions surrounding Christmas, and these feelings can teach us about the true meaning of Christmas.
In Luke 2:35, it says, “A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” This verse shows us how deeply the birth of Jesus affected everyone. Christmas stirs powerful emotions, and understanding these emotions can help us connect more deeply to the season.
1. Blessed – Mary
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary, he said, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28). Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. While she was blessed, she likely didn’t always feel special. Many of us feel we’re not good enough or important enough. But just like Mary, we are all blessed in many ways. Ephesians 1:3 reminds us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” If we believe in God’s promises, we too can experience true blessing.
2. Confusion – Mary and Zacharias
Both Mary and Zacharias were confused by the angel’s message. Mary asked, “How shall this be?” (Luke 1:34), while Zacharias wondered how he could have a child in his old age (Luke 1:18). Sometimes, God’s plans confuse us. The birth of Christ was surprising to many. But even when we don’t understand, we can trust that God’s plans are perfect.
3. Fear – Mary and the Shepherds
The Bible tells us that Mary and the shepherds were afraid. The angel told Mary, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God” (Luke 1:30). Later, the shepherds were also told not to be afraid when the angel appeared to them (Luke 2:10). Like the shepherds, we might fear or feel anxious, especially during the holidays. But the good news of Christmas reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid because God is with us.
4. Belief – Mary and Elizabeth
Elizabeth said to Mary, “Blessed is she that believed” (Luke 1:45). Mary believed the angel’s message, and because of her faith, she saw God’s promises come true. We are also called to believe God’s promises, even when things seem impossible. When we believe, we can experience joy, just like Mary did.
5. Submission – Mary
When Mary heard the angel’s message, she didn’t understand everything, but she trusted God’s plan. She said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s submission to God’s plan teaches us that sometimes we need to trust and follow God, even when we don’t have all the answers.
6. Joy – Mary, Elizabeth, Angels, and Shepherds
The birth of Jesus brought great joy. When Mary visited Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy (Luke 1:44). Later, when the angel appeared to the shepherds, they were told, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Christmas is a time for joy, and the joy of Christ’s birth should fill our hearts and lead us to praise.
7. Praise – Mary, Angels, Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna
As people recognized Jesus, they responded with praise. Mary praised God, saying, “My soul doth magnify the Lord” (Luke 1:46). The angels and the shepherds praised God as well (Luke 2:13-20). Christmas calls us to praise God for the incredible gift of His Son, Jesus.
8. Wonder – Joseph and Mary
When Joseph and Mary saw what God had done, they marveled at it. In Luke 2:33, it says, “Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.” The wonder of Christmas invites us to be amazed at the love and power of God.
9. Action – Mary, John the Baptist, and the Shepherds
The emotions of Christmas lead us to action. Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39), and the shepherds rushed to see Jesus and then shared the good news (Luke 2:15-17). When we experience the joy, wonder, and praise of Christmas, we are called to share that good news with others.
Christmas is a time filled with many emotions—joy, fear, belief, and wonder. When we look at the birth of Jesus through the eyes of those who experienced it, we are reminded that God is with us. He has a plan for us, and through Jesus, we can find peace, hope, and joy. This Christmas, let’s open our hearts to the emotions of the season and share the love of Christ with those around us.
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