Luke 2:1-20
How
are we to respond to the birth of Christ?
It
is wonderful that we go to church and witness the re-telling of the story. It
is amazing to finally sing those familiar songs the department stores have been
playing. It is great to get together with loved ones and surround a table with
a feast of food, laughter and fellowship. But, is this how we are to respond to
the birth of Christ?
I
think of the shepherd’s response as they received the news from the angel of
the Lord. They hear the Messiah has come in the form of a baby, an unexpected
message. At first they were terrified. But, then, they leave, with haste,
to see the newborn King. They leave their sheep, their livelihood, and begin
their trek to the city of David. Overwhelmed with this Good News, they share it
with anyone who will listen to what the angel of the Lord had said. Only after
they witnessed to Mary and others, would they return to their sheep.
How
are we to respond to the birth of Christ?
Let
us respond like the shepherds…with reckless abandonment. Let us drop everything
and run, with haste, to share this wonderful message of salvation with
anyone who will hear it. Sure, this will happen at church and around your
dinner table, but let us not forget those who aren’t here yet.
May the light of
Christ compel you to run at breakneck speed sharing this Good News with anyone
who will listen. Your sheep will be there when you return.
Pastor Steve
