After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone
The shepherds “hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.” Luke 2:16-18
Just imagine if this was happening now. Bethlehem would be swamped with news reporters and film crews, and all the shepherds would have microphones thrust in front of them. The world would be hanging on their every word and the details of their amazing story would be cross examined with forensic care. As it is, we have to rely on Dr Luke who sums up the whole story in just a few dramatic words. In short, the shepherds confirmed that the words the angel said about Jesus’ birth were absolutely true, and they then went out to tell everyone the astonishing story.
Good news cannot be hidden. I always love watching new Christians. You rarely need to tell them that it is good to share their story with other people, because it’s so obvious. What else would they do? I remember Jimmy becoming a Christian. His life had been turned upside down by Christ and so, obviously, he sat down at the lunch table at work the next day and told everyone. A crowd formed because it was such a gripping story and within a short time one of his work mates decided to follow Jimmy’s example and become a Christian himself.
If you have given your life to Jesus recently that’s wonderful, and I’m sure you will be keen to share your story. People will love to hear what you’ve experienced. But, for many of us, it is a long time since we became Christians. By all means talk about how you became a Christian but often it is more powerful to share what God has done in your life recently. Speak of the peace that God gave you when you faced a recent bereavement or disappointment, or speak of an answer to prayer. Like the shepherds, we need to share what we have recently seen and heard.
QUESTION
What good news would you like to share?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that the shepherds were so keen to share what they had experienced. Give me a similar enthusiasm to share your good news. Amen
Photograph – St John’s Parish Church side-chapel, Belfast
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