And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
The shepherds were minding their own business, doing their job.
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 of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ 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, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
God gave them an unmistakable message.
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.
They believed and sought out Jesus.
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.
They saw him and spread the news, being part of God's amazing work.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
They praised God.
I've often envied the shepherds. A host of angels would be pretty convincing, don't you think? God doesn't spell it out so clearly for us, does He? And yet, I, like the shepherds, was minding my own business when God gave me a message about His Son. It wasn't through angels, but in confirmation class, from the lips of my pastor. His words about Jesus having a special plan for my life compelled me, causing me to hope Jesus was real, so I believed and sought the Son of God through prayer and His Word. And one day, after much searching and my own spiritual journey, I knew I needed Jesus--I "saw" Him and have spent the rest of my life trying to point Him out to others. Every day brings new opportunities to praise Him for all the wonders He's shown.
The shepherds were minding their own business, doing their job.“Can we see that we are the shepherds? Can we with open eyes, see who we are and who He is and what He has done? Are we amazed?”
Rev. Mark Shaw
God gave them an unmistakable message.
They believed and sought out Jesus.
They saw him and spread the news, being part of God's amazing work.
They praised God.
Are you like a shepherd? Has your life changed after "seeing?" the Christ child?
Want to know what others think of this quote? Visit Loni at Writing Canvas.
Scripture passage: Luke 2:8-20
Photo Credit: Reza Vazari
3 comments:
Amen, great post.
I like the pattern you gave of what happened, the steps that happened on that blessed day. Makes for a good thing to measure our own experiences up against. Are we being the shepherds we should be? Thanks for sharing.
So thankful you joined in IOW and tied it all in with the quote. :) And for the reminder for us to be the shepherds we should be! Thanks again Tami!
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