The lowly shepherds were on watch on the hillside that night when—all of a sudden—an angel of the Lord appeared to them. The glory of the Lord was all around them. As you might imagine, they were frightened!
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14)
The angels soon left for heaven, and the shepherds rushed off to Bethlehem to see all that the angel of the Lord had told them. What an unforgettable night for the shepherds: the angel of the Lord appeared, God’s glory was there, and the sky was filled with God-exalting angels. Now they find themselves at a stable in Bethlehem in the very presence of the long-awaited Savior of the world.
And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:16-20).
Some two years later, the magi from the East arrived in search of this prophesied King.
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:9-11).
Mary accepted all that took place as a treasure, pondering it in her heart. The shepherds made known all they had seen, glorifying and praising God. And the wise men fell down and worshiped this Christ child, presenting Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Take a moment and reflect on the responses each had to the Son of God: treasuring, pondering, telling others, glorifying and praising, worshiping, and giving. Perhaps we can use their admirable responses as a pattern for us as we navigate these days leading up to Christmas.
Reflect – What if we made room in our day to simply ponder the wonder of God sending His only begotten to a sinful earth to redeem us?
Proclaim – The story of Jesus truly is good news that the people in your world and mine need to hear. Shouldn’t we make time to tell others about the hope there is in Christ?
Glorify and praise – Wouldn’t it please God if we are quick to magnify Him before others this Christmas season?
Worship – Let’s determine to not let anything keep us from joining other brothers and sisters in Christ in corporate worship of this incomparable Jesus.
Give – We won’t give gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but there are many things we can give Him. Perhaps, during this busy season, we should focus on giving Him our time.
(Enjoy Christ-centered Christmas music on American Family Radio’s Music Network. Click HERE. Hear Rick weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Central.)
