OUR OWN CHRISTMAS STORY
OUR OWN CHRISTMAS STORY
The Shepherds’ Story:
Luke 2:15-18
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to 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.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
As we gather to celebrate Christmas, we often find ourselves immersed in the familiar stories of joy, love, and hope. Among these is the story of the shepherds from Luke 2. They stand out as a reminder of the importance of telling our story.
Their experience is not just a tale from long ago; it resonates deeply with our own lives and the calling we all share.
When the angels delivered the miraculous news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, they were given an invitation that changed everything about their lives.
“Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass,” they said. They quickly left their flocks and ventured into the night, driven by a desire to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise. In their journey, we find a powerful lesson: the importance of seeking and embracing the divine moments in our own lives.
Upon arriving in Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger—a humble setting that held the weight of eternity. The simplicity of the scene and the magnitude of what it represents is powerful: God in the flesh, bringing hope and redemption to the world. As they beheld the child, their hearts were stirred, and they became the first missionaries, sharing the good news with everyone they encountered, for the Bible says “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”
This is where their story transcends time and space. The shepherds were ordinary people, yet they were entrusted with an extraordinary message. Their enthusiasm and faith inspired others to wonder and ponder the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ birth. In this way, they remind us that we all have our own story to tell. A story that is Universal, yet very personal to each of us.
In today’s world, we are called to be modern day shepherds. Just as they shared the news of Christ’s birth with those around them, we too have the opportunity to share the story of Jesus in our lives. Each of us carries a unique testimony of grace, redemption, and hope that can inspire others to make Jesus part of their story.
Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply living out your faith, you can make the story of Christmas our own.
As we reflect on the shepherds’ story, let’s remember that their story is our story. The message of Christ’s birth is not confined to the past; it is alive and active in our hearts this morning. Let us embrace the spirit of the shepherds, seeking, sharing, and celebrating the miracle of Christmas. This season, may we invite others to join us in discovering the beauty of Jesus, just as the shepherds did so many years ago.
In doing so, we become part of a timeless story, telling the wonder and joy that the world so desperately needs to hear. The story of Christmas is a story of hope, and it is ours to share.
