Can you imagine what it was like to be an active participant in the Christmas story? In Mary and Joseph, we see a beautiful story of obedience and hope as they navigate unexpected circumstances as they respond to God’s call on their lives. There are the angels that share the joyful message of the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds in the fields who are the first to visit Jesus and share the amazing news with others. As well as the wise men who followed the star in hope of worshipping the newborn king.
As a child I participated in the Christmas program at our church every year. Each year I hoped that I would be chosen to be Mary. Not sure if that was because I thought it was the more honorable role or most likely, because I wouldn’t be given a speaking part. Mary often just sat by the manger with Joseph and Baby Jesus. I was never chosen to be Mary. Almost every year I was dressed as an angel in a white gown made from a sheet, with wings made from white tag board outlined with silver tinsel, given the responsibility of sharing the angel’s message to the shepherds.
At the time I didn’t I realized the significance of the angels sharing the “good news” of Jesus’ birth with the shepherds. If I had, I’m sure I would have found it more enjoyable and maybe even wanted to be a shepherd! The shepherds were chosen to be the first to hear the wonderful news that the promised Savior had been born.
Have you ever had the opportunity to be picked first for something? How did it make you feel? I don’t know about you, but I generally like being first for most things. Or have you ever been the last one picked? The shepherds knew what that felt like. They were kind of like the last ones to be picked for most things. Their job was one that nobody wanted to do…watch the stinky sheep. But interestingly God chose to send the birth announcement about His Son to the shepherds.
Luke 2 tells us “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.” Imagine being one of those shepherds! What do you think they were feeling? Perhaps, frightened and excited at the same time. Then, the angel tells them “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The shepherds became the first people on the whole earth to hear about Jesus! Our Savior and King!
Luke 2:16 states “so they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Having grown up seeing the Nativity sets and being part of Christmas programs, the thought of seeing a baby in a manger is kind of an ordinary thing. But to the shepherds, this was a surprise. A baby in a trough where animals eat?!
As they gazed at the tiny baby, Jesus, their hearts must have been overflowing with joy. Seeing Jesus filled the shepherds with so much joy that they couldn’t wait to tell others. They became the first evangelists. Luke 2:17-18: “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.”
Over the past several weeks, the children of Westbrook have been hearing God’s beautiful plan to rescue us from our sins by sending our Savior, Jesus to be the “Light of the World.” We have been encouraging the children to be like the shepherds and share the good news of Jesus’ birth by inviting their friends and neighbors to our Children’s Christmas Party this Sunday, December 15th during Kids Church. We will be celebrating “Jesus, the Light of the World” together with fun activities and hearing the Christmas story. All kids are welcome!
Sharing exciting news comes naturally to us. We love to share the joy of special moments with our friends and neighbors. May the Good News of the Savior fill your hearts with joy like the shepherds on that first Christmas, sharing it with the world around you. Invite others to experience the Christmas story by joining us at Westbrook’s Christmas Eve services. Good News! Good News! A Savior is Born!
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