It is so easy to get caught up in Christmas present – and in Christmas presents. It really could be the most wonderful time of the year if it weren’t for a hundred distractions and attractions. I forget all too quickly “The Reason for the Season – Jesus”, and get caught up in the present madness. But if we let Christmas past determine our celebration. we’d see Christmas from a very different perspective. Let’s take a step back from the business and look at the original.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” When 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.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”   (Luke 2:8-19)

This had to be a night to remember for the Lord had sent His angels to proclaim good news of great joy. Yes, Good News of Great Joy!  What would the shepherds do with it?  Sit around and feel special because they were the ones that received the message?  Have some eggnog and call it a night?  First things first, they went to see what had happened!  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

The shepherds knew that this good news was not just for their keeping, it was for spreading! The celebration was far bigger than just them. These ordinary shepherds became the first missionaries for Christ, and those who heard it were amazed!  They couldn’t keep it to themselves, the good news of great joy was for all the people!  They had knowledge of God’s cure for sin-sick souls;  a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

The news is just as good today as it was in Christmas past. May we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and celebrate Him.

Blessed Christmas!