When the stresses of the holiday season seem too much, remember Mary. Pregnant, traveling to a strange town, with no place to stay, surrounded by strangers and their animals; who could blame her if she was less than enthusiastic? But there is Mary, taking a moment amid the chaos to love her child and ponder these gifts in her heart. We experience Christmas best when we follow her example and find a moment to appreciate life in the midst of "real life".

The Scripture references are Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. The Gospel reference is Luke 2:1-20.