“Like the shepherds seek out Christ and then share refreshing love with those who need Jesus!”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 18, 2023
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
In the quiet expanse of Bethlehem’s countryside, under the blanket of a star-studded night, humble shepherds watched over their flock. These shepherds, unassuming and dedicated to their duties, represent the simplicity of hearts open to divine revelation. Little did they know that this serene night would herald the most profound event in human history – the birth of Christ. Amidst their vigil, the skies ignited with celestial splendor. Angels, messengers of God, descended, and their radiant presence startled the shepherds. In awe, they beheld the heavenly host proclaiming the joyous news: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Wisely, in stillness and solitude, the shepherds listened to the messengers of the Lord.
The message echoed the anticipation foretold by the prophets, marking the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior. The shepherds, recipients of this divine revelation, were chosen to be the first witnesses to the newborn King. Overwhelmed with wonder, they set out to find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Their journey was not merely a physical one but a spiritual pilgrimage guided by the angels’ message. Often overlooked in society, the shepherds were honored to receive the greatest announcement in history. Their response exemplified humble obedience and a thirst for encountering the divine. Like the shepherds, you may find yourself on a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts this Christmas; if so, be still and listen.
These shepherds were humble followers, a representation of the faithful, those who, despite their lowly status, were chosen by God to witness and share in the joy of salvation. Humble hearts are the divine’s choice to reveal the Messiah’s birth first to those considered least in society, emphasizing God’s grace and inclusion for all. Humility is at home with joyfully obeying God.
The angels’ proclamation emphasized the essence of the good news: it was a message of joy and peace. The birth of Christ signaled the reconciliation of humanity with God, announcing peace between God and mankind. This divine reconciliation was to bring joy, not just for a select few but for all people, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or background. Joyfully and in awe, the shepherds returned from the manger, transformed by their encounter with the incarnate Word. They glorified and praised God for all they had seen and heard, becoming evangelists of the good news of Christ’s birth. A life of reflecting on the Almighty in His expanse expanded their hearts to love their Creator, and now the Word had entered the earth, Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
As we meditate on the Christmas story through the lens of love and humility, let us emulate the shepherds’ response to the joyous news of Christ’s birth. May we approach this season with hearts ready to receive divine revelation, embrace humility, and share the boundless joy and peace that Christ brings to the world. This Christmas, let us rejoice in the gift of our salvation, following the example of the shepherds, by spreading the good news with great joy to all around us. Like the shepherds seek out Christ and then share refreshing love with those who need Jesus!
“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them” (Luke 2:17-18).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a humble heart to be still and listen to your heart through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
Pause in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the holiday and reflect on the Lord’s love for you and your family. Perhaps you read today’s devotional out loud with an intimate group and discuss God’s plan and process of announcing the birth of His son, Jesus Christ.
Related Reading
Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:18-25: John 1:14; Revelation 12:1-6
Worship Resource
Phil Wickham: Angels We Have Heard on High
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