READING: Luke 2:1-20
“After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child,
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
Luke 2:17-18
Imagine if you were one of the shepherds in the field that first Christmas. So much happened that was far out of the ordinary. An angel of the Lord showed up. The glory of the Lord reverberated through the area. The shepherds were rightly struck with fear, but the angel encouraged them to not be afraid. The angel had great news to announce – the Messiah, the Lord, had been born in Bethlehem! An army of angels then joined the chorus, singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven” (Luke 2:14).
Then the angels returned to heaven, and the shepherds made their way to Bethlehem. There, they saw the child – and they could not help but speak about him. The inspired text then tells us, “and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:18).
They were all amazed when they heard about the child in Bethlehem.
That response ought to be ours as well today. I fear that many of us will go through the fun of the Christmas holiday today, perhaps briefly consider the story of Bethlehem, but not really stop to wonder in amazement. May God forgive us if that’s the case.
ACTION STEPS:
- Celebrate the birth of Jesus today—and celebrate it with joy.
- Sing in your heart throughout the day, “Glory to God in the highest!”
PRAYER: “Glory to You, God! I praise You for Your incredible plan!”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalm 37:25