Be Like the Shepherds
Most likely, the first time I heard the shepherds story was 60 some years ago when I was an angel in our church Christmas program. Yet, as I read the recounting today, I feel certain it has more of an impact and holds a bigger challenge for my heart than it did as a child.
Let's read Luke 2:8-20 in The Message translation and be ponderers like Mary.
An Event for Everyone
There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Here are two of the challenges I received.
1) Do I "run quickly" to the things the Lord calls me to do or do I procrastinate hoping the tide will turn and I can avoid some of the callings?
2) Do I "Tell everyone I meet" what God is doing?
Chill bumps are running from my toes to my shoulders. God's Word is everlasting, past down from the ages, standing the test of time. Even if every Bible were taken from this earth God's Word is implanted in the hearts of believers and it will be marveled and told for eternity!
The Song
“O Come O Come Emmanuel” Tommee Profitt
