The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 2:17-20, “When they had seen this, they made known the statement

which had been told them about this Child.

18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that

they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”

Having verified by sight and sound all that the angel of the LORD

had told them of the Child, they began spreading the news. Everyone

who heard the news marveled in amazement! They people were

aware of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, so it was easy and

exciting for them to know that He had come in their lifetime. Mary,

however, kept and treasured every single thought in her heart. There

seems to be a fundamental difference between men and women in that

women often think deeply and mull over things quietly within themselves,

while men come to immediate conclusions. This is true of Nana and me.

I tend to come to conclusions quickly, but when I discuss matters with her,

she has thought it out at a different level and often come to a different

conclusion. Meanwhile the shepherds were magnifying in praise everything

and sharing it with everyone with whom they came into contact. All of this

points to how important it is that pastors preach the Word and that we

listen carefully. Had the Jewish priests not emphasized biblical prophecy,

the people would have taken a “ho-hum” attitude about the shepherds’

announcement. Think deeply about that.

Our Love and prayers for you all,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas