8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors! 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:8-20
This passage takes place the same night that Jesus was born. The shepherds were out watching their sheep when the angels appeared to them. After listening to what the angels have to say, they immediately went and found the baby Jesus. The shepherds respond to meeting the promised Messiah by glorifying and praising God. They left with joy. As they were returning to the sheep, they could not stop talking and singing about all they had just experienced. They left praising God. A natural response to meeting Jesus is praising him and sharing about what he has done in your life. If you have met Jesus, I encourage you to lean into the natural response of sharing what he has done in your life, especially during this season when hearts are softened because of Christmas.
Prayer: Loving Father, help us to encounter you this season. Open doors for us to share about all you have done for us and help us to recognize and act on those opportunities. Thank you for sending your promised savior to bring us into relationship with you. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Justine
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