I think my favorite of the Christmas Stories recorded in the Gospels is the one found in Luke 2 about the Shepherds! Here is my top ten reasons why I like this story over the others.
10. The Angels first announcement was to Shepherds - cool! We would announce this to dignitaries and 'movers and shakers' today - yet God announces his coming to a bunch of smelly shepherds - give us all hope, right?!?
9. The Shepherds were scared to death - who wouldn't be - an angel is speaking to them about God coming to the town next door.
8. The Angels took the fear they felt and turned it into peace - they said, 'fear not' even as Christ does today!
7. The Angles announce 'good news and great joy.' Boy, I sure wish we looked at Christmas through that lens today . . .
6. The announcement of God's Son took more than one Angel - yep, God calls out the whole 'Army of hosts' - how awesome is that?!? Puts our puny announcements in perspective, doesn't it?
5. Golden Rings - okay, just kidding. God let's us know that the most blessed of people are those of us 'on whom His favor rests' - nothing quite like being loved by God, Saved by His Son - that is truly the blessed life!
4. The Shepherds start talking about Jesus! When was the last time you and I talked about Jesus with people we know??
3. The Shepherds took off to find him! When was the last time . . . see number 4.
2. The Shepherds see him and they worship Him - they are drawn to Him and they praise Him! Hmm, worshiping someone other than ourselves - what a great idea!
1. Jesus' mother, Mary - pondered these things in her heart - just like a mom. Betcha she had a baby book somewhere in their wardrobe - now that is a baby book I'd love to see.
Okay, some are better than others, but what do the Shepherds tell you about Christ this Christmas season? The lessons are many - read it for yourselves and just live out one of them - might change your life forever!
Traditions that point to Jesus!
Biz
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