As the angel
choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to
Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.”
They left,
running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing
was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this
child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. Luke 2:15-18
The shepherds were used to staying up all night
watching their sheep. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t get tired and
bored. The message from the angels had to have startled them wide awake. They
were maybe even pleased to have a little excitement, a change of pace. Perhaps
they looked at each other, shrugged and said, “We better check this out.” So
they left their sheep to fend for themselves and headed into town.
When the shepherds saw the baby, they knew the angel
was right; this wasn’t just any baby. This little boy was special and would
grow up to save us all.
How
did the sheepherders know, just by looking at this newborn, that He had come to
save them? Had the angels’ message been that convincing? Perhaps. But more
likely, the Holy Spirit came into their hearts and minds and showed them the
truth.
Have
you ever had a moment where things suddenly came clear to you? Maybe you were
unsure of something, and without explanation, you suddenly understood? Perhaps
God’s Holy Spirit revealed the truth to you.
(From "The Christmas Story in 40 Days", published by Life Sentence Publishing, 2013)
From the Children's Christmas program at my church last night.
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