Celebrate Like A Shepherd
Luke 2 : 8 – 20
As we read the scriptures about the shepherds’ encounter with the angels, we should study their response to the miraculous event of our Savior’s birth. Let us consider how the shepherds celebrated and let us be challenged to celebrate as they did.
We first note that they were working, watching their flocks at night. They were faithful in productive activity, living life fully. They were visited by the angels with all the glory of the Lord enveloping them and they were afraid. But when they were comforted with the “good news of great joy that will be for all people” they overcame their fear. They believed the angel’s message… a Savior has been born to you and you will find Him wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger in the town of David. They participated in praise and worship with the heavenly host that appeared proclaiming glory to God and peace to men on whom His favor rests.
When the angels departed into heaven, the shepherds agreed that they had heard from the Lord and they would be obedient to God’s word, they would go to see this thing that had happened. They had no doubt that God had done all that the angels proclaimed. They hurried off, there was an eagerness within them to witness the Savior’s birth. After they saw Him, they spread the good news all abroad and everyone who heard was amazed at their testimony. When they returned home, the shepherds continued to glorify and praise God for all the things they had heard and seen and believed.
Our lesson from the shepherds is a beautifully simple one.
Be a faithful worker, do everything as unto the Lord.
Overcome your fears, trust completely in the love of God.
Believe God’s word, there is nothing impossible for God.
Participate in praise and worship with true believers.
Be obedient to God’s commands.
Witness the power and acknowledge the acts of God.
Give testimony, spread the good news to all who will listen.
Continue to glorify and praise God, live every day as if it was Christmas.
