Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thank you for the shepherds...

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

“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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
(Luke 2:8-20, NIV)

Father, the angels said it all: “Glory to God in the highest!” You deserve all the praise for what you have done. You have brought peace to men. Real peace. Forever peace for those who believe in your Son and follow him. Thank you.

Thanks, too, for bringing the shepherds in on the secret. They are my heroes. They saw the baby and spread the news! I imagine people thought they were crazy. “Angels? The Messiah has been born? Come on!”

They weren’t discouraged by the doubts of those who heard. Thanks for telling Luke to write about them. I need to be more like them. I need to tell the good news to more people. “The Savior is born!”

From the bottom of my heart, thanks.

Your child, Mike.

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