Luke 1:26-28 — “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’”

Most of us live within the confines of the ordinary. We get up each morning, make our bed, eat our breakfast, brush our teeth, do our work, come home, go to bed, and wake up to do it again the next day. With a few variations, the regular events of our lives become a well-worn path of comfort to some and frustration to others.

But sometimes as we go about our ordinary rituals, an extraordinary moment occurs – sometimes God shows up in a mighty way.

Mary, are you up? Breakfast is on the table.

Yes, Mother. I am just finishing my prayer time. I’ll be down in a minute.

There you are sweet daughter; what are your plans for the day?

Well, I thought I would do some cleaning, work on the wedding plans, and do a couple loads of laundry.

Would you have time to take a trip to the market for me? We are almost out of a few staples.

Sure, Mother. I don’t have much going on today. It looks to be pretty normal and ordinary.

But a young girl’s ordinary day turned extraordinary ... when God showed up.

Months later seasoned shepherds showed up for the normal night shift on a Judean hill and all was as usual ... until God showed up.

Hundreds of miles away, Oriental wise men took their places to keep watch on the night sky. All the constellations were in their usual places until one night a new star shone bright, and ordinary turned extraordinary ... because God showed up.

A young virgin was informed she would conceive the Son of God. Angels who announced the birth of the Savior of the world visited the shepherds. Wise men packed their bags to take a long trip to visit a newborn king. All of them were living ordinary lives ... until God showed up and all of history was forever changed.

Are you living in a world of ordinary? Don’t despair. Keep alert with your eyes wide open. This could be the day that ordinary becomes extraordinary.

This could be the day when God shows up and your life will be forever changed.

Best Christmas concert ever

Luke 2:13-14 — “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’”

Christmas is a time for music. Early in the season holiday tunes will blast from the radio, in the stores, and in our homes. Christmas concerts abound in all sorts of venues. The joyful sounds put us in the Christmas spirit and heighten the excitement of a much-anticipated day of celebration.

As much as we all love Christmas concerts this time of year, I can’t help but think that it doesn’t even compare with the first Christmas concert ever given. An angelic choir performed the concert, and the message they brought was the best news ever.

The evening was dark, and the crowd was small – just a few shepherds guarding their sheep on a lonely hillside. Suddenly the curtain of sky opened and the angel of the Lord stood before them. “Do not be afraid,” he said, “Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a a manger.”

Suddenly the soloist was joined by the great choir of heavenly angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” The rich and melodious voices of the glorious choir filled the air with sound as bright lights illuminated the sky.

The lyrics they spoke did not give rise only to wishful thinking or hopeful dreams. Instead their message spoke of a special baby, the sinless Son of God, Who was born that very evening. His promised birth would be the means for all people to receive peace with God.

When the concert was over and the lights dimmed, the audience of simple shepherds was astounded and inspired. They left their flocks in the field to visit the site of the child’s birth. Upon reaching Bethlehem they fell on their knees before the tiny baby lying in a manger. The angelic message was true and their hearts rejoiced.

Today all can still receive the gift of peace with God proclaimed so long ago. It is available for all who believe.

What an evening! What a message! What a Savior! No matter how amazing a special performance is this Christmas season, I can confidently say there is nothing that could ever top the very first – and the very best – Christmas concert ever.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com