December 21st, 2024

‬“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.”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

If you think about it – the shepherd’s story is very similar to the calling and ministry of the disciples, albeit in a much briefer form.

Like the disciples, they were drawn to meet Jesus (in a spectacular way) and once they met him, went out to tell others what they had seen.

Once they met Jesus, even baby Jesus, the shepherds felt an excitement, an urgency, to tell others about Him, and those who heard it were AMAZED.

I remember when I first gave my heart to Jesus in high school.  My poor secular friends.  I couldn’t shut up about it.  I was so excited about what God had done in my life I just had to tell everyone.   

Now, my experience wasn’t exactly the same as the shepherds, but I do remember the feeling that I needed to tell everyone what had happened.  

What has happened in those 40 years since I first met Jesus?  What happened to that excitement?

Well, my story happened, like your story is happening. God has and continues to do great things in my life.

And maybe, like me, this story of the shepherds on that special night is reminding you of when you first met Jesus.  Somehow God cut through our routine, past our concerns and anxieties and sin to introduce us to Jesus.

And if that is true this Christmas… tell someone.