We’ve all seen it. Many of us have one in our houses this time year. Our churches pull them out of storage as we approach Christmas. The manger scene is a staple in our Christian celebrations of Christmas. We’re so familiar with the characters in the story that we likely don’t even give it much thought. The wisemen came from lands afar to see the baby born. The shepherds respond to the angels’ call to hail the birth of an unlikely king. Mary and Joseph  were just trying to find out what it meant to be parents as they coddled their newborn son in the stable that quiet night.

But what about Mary and Joseph? What do you think was going through their minds as they held their child? Did they know what really was going on? Did they know who their son would grow to be?

One of my favorite Christmas songs carries such a heavy message. Mary did you know? Did you know that this Jesus would end up being the savior of the world? Did you know that this child would grow to change the world? Did you know that his death would bring life to all who believe?

As a parent and a pastor I often look at children and wonder what does God have in store for you. I look at the young people around me and marvel at the many great things they are accomplishing. I’m so excited to see what God has in store . And seeing these young people mature gives me hope for our future.

So did Mary know? Perhaps, but likely at best was in denial of what it all meant. But what we do know is that she was faithful to do what God called her to do. This Christmas remember the greatest gifts sometimes just might come in the smallest of packages.

Merry Christmas!