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
The shepherds weren’t the kind of people anyone would expect to be the very first to receive such a glorious announcement. They were ordinary, working-class men with no lofty status or spiritual credentials. Yet God chose them to witness the arrival of His Son. Their response was immediate: they hurried to find the Savior, praised God for what they had experienced, and couldn’t keep the good news to themselves. These shepherds were literally the very first evangelists in the New Testament!
Today, many people will celebrate Christmas without ever seeking the Christ in it. They’ll open gifts, enjoy festive meals, and make memories with loved ones, but they’ll miss out on the greatest gift of all – Jesus. How many of us, like the shepherds, have heard the message, but allow the busyness of life or the distractions of the season to keep us from seeking and sharing Him?
This Christmas, let us humbly follow the example of the shepherds. Let’s make room in our hearts for the awe and worship, taking time to praise God for the gift of His Son. And let us boldly share the Good News with others, just as the shepherds did. The joy of Christmas isn’t meant to be contained – it’s meant to overflow!
As Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” May we seek Jesus today with all our hearts, and may the wonder of His birth inspire us to share His love with the world.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your son, Jesus. Like the shepherds, we are in awe of the Good News of His birth. Help us to seek Him with all our hearts, praise You with joy, and share the message of His love with others. May we never lose sight of the true meaning of this special day – Christmas. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 