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.”
Luke 2:8-12
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.
Luke 2: 16-20
Meditation:
It is not easy to always know which way God’s path is heading. Sometimes we may feel as though we are lost; sometimes we might need a little push in the right direction; sometimes we might be blazing our own trail. In these verses, the shepherds and Mary could not fully grasp or understand what God had in store for them at this time. Their actions in these verses, however, also indicate that they had been touched by God and understand His majesty and power, wanting to spread it to anyone that will listen.
Think of Mary and the shepherds as examples to show how we can spread the message of Jesus Christ to others in our lives. It is true that God and his angels intervened in their situations, but have we not, in some way, been touched by God in our own lives?
You may have heard the phrase "pay it forward." A positive story shared with friends can have a profound effect on their life. They may, in turn, "pay it forward," sharing another positive story or deed with another person. The actions on that day long ago, had an enormously positive effect on the entire world for thousands of years! The actions and words of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds have helped generations live in a more positive and meaningful way.
Take a moment to think about the birth of Jesus, the son of God. Why was Jesus born?
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17
Remember the "Christmas" story as we enter our Christmas celebrations. Then share it, as well as your own stories of the glory of God, with others and all who will listen, hoping that they share their own stories to others as well.
Prayer:
Lord God in Heaven, your kingdom has come, on Earth as it is in Heaven. We pray to you that you may open our minds and hearts, so that we may share the story of your love with our words and deeds. As the shepherds shared their story, help us to share ours, so that we may help others to see your truths. We pray all this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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