Speaking When Spoken To
Any parent can identify with those who think “children should speak when spoken to”. Many of us don’t entirely support the idea, but sometimes it would be nice if our kids would stop and listen to us! Even the most energetic child, though, is able to see when an adult needs to tell him or her something important.
In Luke 2, verse nine tells, “Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (NRSV). Like a child who knows when an adult is saying something momentous, the speechless shepherds understood the significance of what they were hearing. They intently listened to the angel’s news, and then they quickly departed for Bethlehem.
After seeing Jesus, the shepherds shared their experience with Mary and Joseph. They knew it was time to speak. Despite the cold and physical discomfort, Mary sensed that it was time to listen. Verse nineteen says, “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” The shepherds were ‘speaking when spoken to’ by the angel of the Lord.
On this joyous Christmas Day, I pray that we all are aware of the awesome miracle before us, and that we take the time to listen to what God has to tell us. I also have faith that we will share His message with those who are ready to listen. Merry Christmas!
Natalie Wray
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