What the Shepherds Teach Us About Christmas

Christmas time is a great time to reflect on the story of the birth of Jesus. There are reminders everywhere. Displays at the grocery store, Christmas music in the mall and restaurants. Loved ones exchanging Christmas cards, communities putting on Christmas markets, schools having Christmas plays and Churches holding Christmas Carol services. When I think about the Nativity Story, I want to be like the Shepherds who once they heard the Good News immediately went about telling others about it. They did not and could not keep this life-changing news to themselves. Not only did they share this good news with everyone they met, but the Shepherds also wanted to be eyewitnesses and see Jesus for themselves. So they quickly made their way to the barn in Bethlehem and found everything to be as the Angels has told the, There the Savior was, a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

As the Shepherds wanted to experience the Messiah for themselves, I encourage you too that as you hear this Good News that unto us a child is born, unto us a Savior is given, as you hear this Good News, take it a step further and go meet Jesus for yourself. The Shepherds had to see and experience for themselves what they had been told. Yes, they received the news from the Angels with joy, and then went to have a personal, life changing experience with the Messiah. As you receive this good news with great joy come and see the Messiah for yourself. Make room in your heart for Jesus. Spend time reading his Word. Allow His Holy Spirit to come into your life to teach you all truths and to remind you of everything that Jesus ever said while he walked this earth.

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. John 14:26
Experience Emmanuel (God with us) for yourself and your life will never be the same. Experience the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus, allowing Jesus and all that He represents to be born anew in your life, home and family this Christmas season.

MyosotisRock

Luke 2:8-20

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Have you ever wondered why, of all people, the Choir of Angels announcing Jesus’ birth was sent to the Shepherds in the fields and not Princes in the palace? Could it be because Jesus is the Lamb of God and so Shepherds would truly understand this analogy, showing tender love and care to baby Jesus as they did countless other times to the lambs in their flock? Could it be that the Shepherds were quiet and still enough for God to speak and they could hear? Palaces are usually loud, ringing with dancing and feasting and many other destructions into the night. The fields I believe, were quiet and calm as creation settled down for the night.

This reminds us to take some quiet time amidst all the Christmas parties and family gatherings, shopping and everything that has the potential to be a distraction for us in this season. Allow yourself to be still in a calm and quiet place so you can hear God speak to you and bring you good news, great tidings of great joy: Jesus, the Savoir of the world was born, bringing peace and reconciliation to God with Him. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, died and was buried, rose again on the third day, victorious over sin and death! He paid our penalty once and for all. He is now seated at the right hand of God and will come again, to take those that believe in Him and follow Him as their Lord to reign with Him in glory for eternity! Hallelujah! That is the Good News of CHRISTmas.