In Luke, chapter 2, beginning with verse 8, we read the story of an angel of the Lord, then a multitude of heavenly hosts appearing before the shepherds who were watching their flocks at night. It is hard for one to imagine how frightening and overwhelming that must have been for these men. But as amazing as this sight must have been, an equally marvelous happening of this treasured Christmas story is the faith shown by those shepherds that night.
Imagine these men, going about their daily routine, tending the sheep just as they had done so many nights before, and suddenly an angel appears to them telling of a Savior who has been born in the town of David.
The Bible tells us how terrified these shepherds were, but the angel said to them, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." As soon as the angel had left them, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." The story then tells us the shepherds hurried away and found the newborn Savior, and they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.
What a great showing of FAITH by these shepherds. They did not let their initial fears overwhelm them, they did not try to ignore or dismiss what they had just experienced, or try to formulate some explanation of what happened to them that night. They simply, and immediately, responded in faith, and found the Lord Jesus, and ultimately spread the word of the Savior to those who had not heard the great news. How wonderful it would be if all of us would have such faith to follow God's plan for our lives immediately, enthusiastically, without fear, without doubt, just trusting in the Lord.
Barry and Leigh Ann Murray---1997
Father God, use the events of this season to increase my faith and trust in You.
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