RESPONDING TO THE SAVIOR
Read It
Luke 2:15-20
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Discover It
You know the story. One night some shepherds were out in the fields watching over their flocks when they were surprised and terrified by the sudden appearance of an angel surrounded by the glory of the Lord. After telling them not to be afraid the angel brought them joyful news. The long-awaited Messiah had finally come, born as a baby in Bethlehem. And the sign of his coming? He would be wrapped in cloths and would by lying in a manger. A final exclamation point on this announcement was the appearance of a multitude of heavenly creatures praising God and joining in unison saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men!” The shepherds heard the news of Jesus! But now…what would their response be?
Live It
1. In our scripture for today the shepherds responded by going and finding the Christ child (vs. 15-16). It’s not enough just to know about Jesus. We must meet him for ourselves!
2. Also, the shepherds spread the message of Jesus far and wide. They could not keep this news to themselves! And today with our lips and our lives, we must continue to tell others about the Savior!
3. Finally in our scripture, even after the shepherds returned, they were forever changed, glorifying and praising God. And today and every day, we should worship and praise the Lord for showing us His love and saving our souls!
Pray It
Heavenly Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank You for loving me so much that You left the glory of heaven to come and dwell among men. If it had not been for Your great love that compelled You to come and redeem the world, the whole earth would still be lost in sin. Yet you came to purchase our salvation. You were born as a baby in Bethlehem, yet You always existed. You loved us so much you were willing to shed Your glory and become a man so You could pay for my sin and save me to the uttermost! Praise the Lord our salvation only made possible by you Jesus - the way, the truth, and the life. In your strong name and in the power of the Holy Spirit we pray. Amen.