A tradition in my family is before we open our presents, we read the Christmas story together. I know it by heart (in the NIV) and can recite the story along with the reader. This year, something jumped out at me.
Luke Chapter 2
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When 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."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The shepherds were poor and uneducated. They had a tough life. When the Angels shared the good news of Jesus' birth with them, it was completely about God's love. There were no requirements for being acceptable enough to approach the Son of God. They didn't have to become expert theologians, improve their social-economic standing, or even take a bath. All they had to do was go to Jesus. The shepherds took care of sheep for a living. Jesus was born in a barn, and slept in a manger (another word for feeding trough). He loved them in a way they could connect and identify with.This was an encouraging reminder of the simple truth that I all too often complicate. God loves us for who we are right now. We can approach Him confidently, knowing that He empathizes with us. It is this love alone that transforms our lives and it has absolutely nothing to do with our own efforts. When we experience Jesus' love, like the shepherds, we have to share it with others.
I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!
posted by jessika @ 4:03 PM
Comments: 2
