The Shepherds' Story
Luke 2:15-18
Just as we love telling others of special gifts we receive, we should tell others of God's gift through Christ.
The night was no different from many others that season. The moon shone brightly surrounded by heaven's stars who watched as the quiet rural pastures around Israel settled in for the night. In one of those pastures was a group of shepherds keeping watch of their sheep. Just an ordinary night, doing ordinary things, yet the night wouldn't be soon forgotten.
Put yourself in the shepherds' place. You're performing your daily work when suddenly the sky is full of light and an angelic being is telling you, a simple shepherd, that the very Son of God was just born near where you're standing. Then a whole host of angels appear and begin singing praises to God. The skies are no longer dark but light shines more brightly than the sun. The night is no longer quiet, but all of creation seems to be singing praise.
How did the shepherds respond to the unbelievable miracle they witnessed? They left everything (even their sheep) and ran to Jesus' birthplace. They wanted to see the answer to Israel's prayers. I'm sure thoughts of stories passed down through their families about the Messiah came to mind. And they were about to witness the fulfillment of God's promise.
Once in Bethlehem, the shepherds watched as Mary and Joseph cared for Jesus in his first moments on earth. They might have rejoiced and praised God with Mary and Joseph, and reveled in God's great gift. But after they had seen Christ, notice their reaction: "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." After all they witnessed, the shepherds couldn't keep the events of the night to themselves. They had to spread the word that the Messiah, Israel's long-awaited hope, had finally come.
Spreading the good news wasn't convenient for the shepherds. They were waking people up in the middle of the night, many of whom were visitors traveling for the census, to tell them of the baby's birth. I'm sure some dismissed the message as foolishness, others refused to leave their sleep to listen, and others scorned the shepherds. As Luke says, "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." Some accepted the message, but I'm sure there were others who questioned the shepherds' story.
As you celebrate the holiday season and take time to remember Jesus' birth, take note of the shepherds' reaction after seeing Jesus. They couldn't wait to tell everyone about God's gift! Your reaction to the story of Christ's birth should be the same. God gave His Son for your salvation. That alone should prompt you to share the first Christmas story with those around you.
When you receive a valuable or special gift at Christmas, you love telling other people about it, right? The new clothing item or jewelry is worn, the gadget is shown, the trip is discussed. Thousands of years ago, we were all given the best Christmas gift possible. Spend time telling others about that gift this Christmas.
Daily Bible Reading
Micah 6-7 | Revelation 13
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