“The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman” (Pope Francis).

The touch-and-feel board book One Night in Bethlehem, by Jill Lord, is one of my one-year-old’s favorites. It follows the story of a little boy who imagines what it would have been like if he had been present when Jesus was born.

He would have been the angel who sang the loudest, or the cow that mooed to let people know the Good News, or even the fastest shepherd who ran to give Jesus his teddy bear to snuggle with. It is a sweet book that stirs the imagination and places its young readers firmly in the Nativity scene.

Similarly, here is a meditation to help you enter more deeply into that special night this Christmas season:

All I can hear as we scramble to our feet is the echo of the song of the angels. It still reverberates in my chest, and I feel light—almost giddy with newfound joy. The air smells fresh and crisp, as if it is already dawn, and our sheep, normally restless when strangers are present, are subdued and grazing silently.

The other shepherds—Jacob, Aaron and Isaac—have the same astounded look on their faces that I have on mine.

Jacob speaks first: “We must go! We must go to see what they spoke of.”

Normally a resistant group, we all agree and call to our sheep to begin the short journey to Bethlehem. We do not know where we will find the infant, nor what we will do with our sheep, but we feel a certainty that it will be made known to us along the way.

We walk quickly in silence, following Jacob, each of us quiet in our thoughts. All I can think is, “Why us? Why me? I am no one special. Could it be true that the Messiah has come? It must be true. The glory and authority of the angels was undeniable. But why me? Why us? And as a baby?” I shake my head in wonder. It all seems beyond my understanding.

Suddenly, Jacob points to a star shining brightly over a cave at the edge of the town. We are familiar with it, as we sometimes use the surrounding caves to lodge in before we enter Bethlehem. Covered with shrubs, one could easily miss the cave, as its opening is partially covered. However, the bright star illuminates the whole of the cave, and each of us knows with certainty in our heart this is the place.

Aaron, the youngest of the shepherds and my nephew, asks, “What shall we bring Him?” Without hesitation, we pick through our flocks for a lamb without blemish. Although they would have sold for a fair price at the market, we sense that it is worth the sacrifice.

After securing our flocks in a nearby field, we begin the gentle climb to the cave, each of us carrying a lamb. It is not far now.

My heart begins to beat with anticipation. The crunch of our steps against the loose rocks is the only sound in the air. Again, the thoughts come: “Why me? Why us? Why as a baby?”

We are now at the entrance of the cave. Jacob, always the bold one, calls into the cave, saying, “Shalom, Shalom!” He receives a startled response back from a slender and firmly built man who exits the cave. He has a quizzical and cautious look upon his countenance.

With uncontained excitement, Jacob asks, “Has an infant been born here tonight?” The man is taken aback, says “yes,” and replants himself firmly over the entrance of the cave.

Jacob, noticing his resistance, earnestly and quickly shares what we saw—from the angels to their announcement and their mention of the child lying in a manger. The man excuses himself for a moment and reenters the cave. He soon returns and ushers us in, introducing himself as Joseph.

We duck as we enter and are led to a side room within the cave. It is simple and neat, and in the middle of the room is a young woman sitting peacefully on several layers of worn blankets. She greets us with a “Shalom Shalom” and a gentle smile. Directly in front of her is, as the angels described, “an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Immediately, tears come to my eyes at the sight, and I fall to my knees and worship. I know in my heart that this is no ordinary child; He is God. I feel unworthy to look directly upon Him. I feel shame for past bad decisions. I do not feel worthy to be in His presence. I weep in regret.

I hear that gentle voice ask, “Would you like to hold him?” I look up, wondering who she is speaking to. Her eyes catch mine, and she once again smiles.

“Oh, no, I can’t. I mustn’t. I am not worthy,” I shakily respond.

Her only response is to lean forward, tenderly pick up her son, and hold Him out to me.

I cannot resist. I take him and hold Him close to me, feeling unsure, as it has been many years since I have held such a small child. He shifts comfortably in my arms and slowly opens His eyes. In an instant, my shame flees, and I am overwhelmed by love—His love for me and my love for Him.

Suddenly, the thought “I have chosen you” comes to my mind.

I am chosen.

Fresh tears come once again to my eyes, but this time, they are different, like a healing wave. After a few minutes, I give the child back to His mother and take deep breaths. I feel at peace.

Again, it is as the angels announced: “On earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Valentina Imhoff, MBA is a career coach helping women encounter God through their work. She has lived and worked in 6 countries and has over 10 years of experience in a variety of industries. In addition to coaching, she facilitates Called & Gifted workshops to help others discern their charisms. Her greatest loves are her husband, son, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Connect with Valentina at fiatcareercoaching.com, or tune into her podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.