By Gina Caswell Kelly
“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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, 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 heaven, and on earth peace to those 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
We all know this story. But there are a couple of things I want to take from this. The first is that, not only was Jesus, the new born King, born in the lowliest of settings, the heavenly messengers were sent to what was considered the lowliest of workers in that day. They were sent to the farmers. The guys with dirt under their fingernails and calluses on their hands. This Christchild came for all of us. He was not born in a palace where royals were notified. No, he was born in a very dirty place and was welcomed by sheep smelling shepherds. Jesus came for all of us!
The other thing is this. They went immediately. They did not wait for the next shift to show up. They did not wait until a more convenient time. They went immediately!
Jesus came for all of us. No matter who we are. No matter what we have done. No matter how low our own opinion of ourself might be. Jesus loves you and came and died for you!! And our job is to tell the story of what Jesus has done for us, and to tell it immediately! Do not wait! Tell your story of what Jesus has done in your life to someone this very day!
Christmas Day! The day that made a difference then and continues to make a difference fo us today!
