Shepherds: A Christmas Experience of A Lifetime

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they were told. (Luke 2: 19,20 NIV)

Shepherds

Shepherds? Whew! Honestly, nice to see Monday Morning. A time to be motivated with a fresh Word of God’s truth. In the last few days most have experienced Thanksgiving, travel, Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating, and I can add a sinus infection. Don’t forget Christmas pictures. I did not send Christmas cards last year, yet, I will not fail this year. How about you? December 2nd, how does your calendar look for the next three weeks?

Angel appears

I have two words for us…peace and pace. I am determined to have peace and pace myself. Join me. The shepherds were in their fields tending flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them. “Do not be afraid,” said the angel. Would an angel of the Lord be able to get our attention? Imagine how calm and quiet is was for the shepherds when the angel appeared.

The message:

1. This is good news!
2. Great joy!
3. For ALL people.
4. In the town of David, a Savior has been born to you.
5. He is Christ the Lord.
6. Your sign will be…a baby wrapped in clothes, lying in a manger.

Praising God

Immediately, a great company of heavenly host appeared. They were praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rest.” When the angels returned to Heaven, the shepherds did not take long to ponder their next move. They hurried to Bethlehem to see what the Lord had shared with them. They saw it was as they had been told.

Jesus’s Birthday

Jesus spent His time on Earth. It’s our time to celebrate His birthday. Considering the magnitude of the shepherd’s experience, I ponder, the magnitude of what we can experience. We may hear the world’s loud roar. However, Jesus is getting ready to release a major out pour of His Spirit. For this he warns us not to grow weary for doing good. May we be a voice to help save many from the roar. Never be afraid to speak up for truth. Speak in love, yet speak.

Time to ponder

It’s Motivating Monday! As we embrace the end of this year, may we find quiet time to ponder the birth of Christ and what this means for us today-for eternity. I leave you today with one of my favorite songs for this season.

Be encouraged!