Advent - Day 15

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 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. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:15-20 ESV).

There are so many answers in this simple story. When we think about God’s choice to appear to the shepherds rather than the religious leadership of Jerusalem we cannot miss the truth that the gospel is for all people. It is not for a few studied religious leaders to contemplate and control. I also see the truth that God desires us to be people who are content to do as we have been directed. There is no indication that these men were doing anything out of the ordinary for their profession. They may have been sitting around the campfire and simply relaxing after a long day’s work tending their flock when the angels came. It is at this most unexpected moment that the angels suddenly stood before them and announced, “Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord… you will find the baby wrapped in cloths, and laying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-14). If I were one of the shepherds, I would have asked, “Are you going to give more details about how to find this baby? How about drawing us a map?” The angel could have said, “Take a right at the tax collector's office, go down three blocks to the Bethlehem Inn and ask the innkeeper how to get to the stable. It’s the first manger on the left. You can't miss it. It’s the only one with a baby inside.” In spite of the poor directions, God made sure that the shepherds found the baby. Perhaps that’s the greatest answer in this part of the story. No one will miss God. Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, God knows how to direct you to His redemption in Christ. He will not fail to bring you to Jesus. That’s really good news to some who may have done things that they believe are too bad to be forgiven. I would remind you that Jesus said every sin would be forgiven with just that one exception. That is the absolute final refusal to acknowledge Him. I’m convinced that God continues to call out to us to the very moment of our death. He did with the thief on the cross beside Jesus; He will to all His children. Perhaps He is calling out to you today. Don’t waste another moment without seeing this great sight of the Savior! Get up and go to Him! He waits with open arms to receive you!