Let Us Adore Him, Then What?

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Each year it seems I am captivated by a different part of the Christmas story. This year, I can't stop thinking about the shepherds. Luke 2 says they were just hanging out in the dark fields with the sheep, minding their own business, when an angel appeared. It makes sense that the angel's first words were, "Do not be afraid." It must have been terrifying. Then, a host of angels appeared and filled the darkness up with light and praise. I wonder if the shepherds thought it had been a dream or if they stood there dumbfounded for a few minutes. The Bible says they hurried off to find the baby they had been told about. Can you imagine how incredible it would have been to see the baby an angel had just described? I'm sure they had no problem believing the baby was the Messiah. They probably bowed in adoration, wondering why the angels chose to tell them, simple shepherds. Once they had worshipped the Christ child, "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 2:17-18)

Those simple, lowly men were not only chosen by God to be the first notified of birth of the newborn King, God also appointed them as the first evangelists. I wonder what they said when they told others about Jesus. Whatever it was, their enthusiasm caused everyone who heard their story be amazed. 

The shepherds were average-joes, which means they are good examples for all of us. The Christmas season gives us the opportunity to adore Jesus too, but then what? So many of us put Jesus away with our Christmas decorations. The shepherds believed the good news, adored the Savior, and then shared what they had seen with everyone they encountered. We're called to do the same! 

Today, on the day after Christmas, I'm reminding myself, and encouraging everyone else, to continue following in the shepherd's footsteps. We've celebrated the birth of the Messiah, now let's spread the word concerning Him! Let's share the love of Jesus with everyone we encounter and watch Him change the world!


Tori




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