The story of Christmas never gets old. It is retold every year and we listen to it much like we watch the reruns of Andy Griffith. There is something about them that keeps our interest.
One of my favorite characters in the Christmas story is the shepherds. They are a fascinating group of people. So common and yet chosen by God to be among the first to hear the angel's announcement of the Messiah's birth. The shepherds of that day were not known to be spiritual. In fact, some traditions say they were the lower level of society. But these shepherds were different than the 'norm'. Why did God choose shepherds to witness the greatest event in human history; further still, why did God choose THESE shepherds? A closer look at the account in Luke 2:8-20 will tell us something about the hearts of these men.
The shepherds listened. God speaks to those who have the time to listen. Often we are so caught up in the business of life that we cannot hear God speak. Maybe it's time to slow down and listen. Take some time this Christmas to be quiet; get by yourself, away from TV, radio, cell phones and anything else that keeps you from listening to God. When God spoke to Elijah, he was hiding in a cave. God sent the whirlwind, the thunder, and the lightening but He did not speak through them. God spoke to him only when Elijah was quiet enough to listen.
They knew what to look for. The angels told them where to look and what to look for. The shepherds had no problem believing that God was present that night on the Judean hillside. God usually uses less flashy means to communicate with us; like a homeless family, a grieving widow, through these lives of the needy and poor, in the mundane tasks of daily living. It's easy to miss God's moving when we are watching only for the big and showy.
They made seeking Jesus with all their heart, the main thing in their life. Likewise, we need to make Christ the main thing in our lives. What is the 'MAIN THING' in your life?
They were quick to act upon what God has told them. They left their sheep immediately and went to search for the Christ child. God's word to us is found in His Holy Word, the Bible. Do we really believe it is the complete, inerrant Word of God? Does your lifestyle reflect what we say we believe?
When they saw the babe in the manger, they believed. They left the manger that night changed men. Has your relationship with Christ really changed you?
They let their joy show. They met Jesus and they went away excited and filled with joy. Can others tell that you are a joyful believer? Does the joy of the Lord show through even when you are having a 'bad hair day' or you wake up with Excedrin headache #38?
Finally when they left they went around telling others about what they had experienced. When the angels came and told them the Good News, Luke records that 'the glory of the Lord shone around about them.' That was before they met Jesus, but afterward, the glory of the Lord was within them and they told others. We need to share with others this Good News.
May the joy of Christ be yours this Christmas season. God bless!
Pastor Charles & Judy
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