The Faith of the Shepherds

What would you do if you were there?  Imagine you were a shepherd, tending to the flock.  It's dark and animals are sleeping.  There's not much happening.  It's a night like every other night. The year is 3 B.C. (give or take a year or two).

Then an angel appears and says, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news and great joy that will be for all the people."  This angel, you have no doubt, is a messenger from God.  He is proclaiming God's Word with authority.  Although you're scared, you know what he is saying is true.  

God's messenger goes on to say, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."  

If this is true, it would seem only logical that you should go see.  Obviously the angel expects you to go because he gave you a sign, a thing to look for and prove his words.  Do you go?  

You think about moving, but before you can, the sky is filled with angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"  

After the angels are gone, you are faced with a choice.  Do you hear this Word from the Lord and do something about it, or do you do nothing?  Either way, it's an exciting story.  But your story could be so much better if you go and see.  Your life might be full and joy-filled if you trust the Lord.  That's what the shepherds did on that night. 

It might seem simple.  Of course you would go, right?  Are you sure?  How many times have you heard the authoritative Word of God and done nothing?  How many times have you scoffed at the Lord's ambassadors, that is, his people?  How many times have you read something from God in his Word, the Bible, and then just closed the book and said, "That's nice," doing nothing about it?  

This Christmas, I invite you to consider how you will respond to God's message.  Will you follow the example of the shepherds and go?  Will you worship Jesus?  God is calling you.  You can join in the song of the angels this year.

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Bryan Catherman

P.S.> Here's an update video for this week.  See you Sunday! 

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