Day 11: The Shepherds

Luke 2:9-11, 15-18 (NIV) 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen Him, they spread the words that they had been told about the child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Devotional:

Imagine a quiet night in the fields near Bethlehem. The air is crisp, and the stars twinkle brightly. You are a shepherd, watching over your flock with care, when suddenly, an angel of the Lord appears, surrounded by a divine glow. The angel brings a message of great joy: the birth of the Saviour, the Messiah, in your very town.

The shepherds, initially struck with fear, find their hearts transformed by this heavenly announcement. They decide to journey to Bethlehem to see this miraculous event for themselves. Upon finding Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, their hearts overflow with joy and amazement. They leave the manger, not just as simple shepherds, but as messengers of the greatest news ever told.

In those times, shepherds were seen as humble and insignificant in society. Yet, God chose them to be the first to hear of Jesus' birth. This choice by God shows His love and regard for all, irrespective of their social standing. It also reminds us that the message of Jesus' birth is for everyone: the high and the low, the rich and the poor, the learned and the simple.

The shepherds' experience is a beautiful picture of transformation and purpose. They went from ordinary night watchers to heralds of the most extraordinary news. This transformation was not just external; it affected their very beings. They became filled with joy and urgency to share what they had seen and heard.

Like the shepherds, we too are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We may feel ordinary, but God has entrusted us with an extraordinary message. The shepherds didn't keep the news to themselves; they shared it with all who would listen. We, too, are challenged to do the same.

This story encourages us to look beyond our fears and limitations. The shepherds were initially terrified, but their fear turned to joy as they embraced God's message. We can find courage in their story to step out in faith, share our faith, and spread the joy of Jesus' birth.

Practical Steps

• Reflect on the shepherds' story and ask yourself: How can I share the joy of Jesus' birth with others?

• Pray for opportunities and courage to share your faith.

• Look for practical ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in your daily interactions.

The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 is a powerful reminder of God's inclusive love and the transformative power of the gospel. It challenges us to be messengers of hope and joy, just like the shepherds who first heard the angel's message on a starry night in Bethlehem.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the beautiful example of the shepherds. Help us to be bold and joyful in sharing the good news of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we be filled with the same excitement and urgency as the shepherds to spread Your message of love and salvation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step

Reflect on the joy and excitement you feel when you receive good news. How can you channel this enthusiasm into sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others? Let the story of the shepherds inspire you to become a joyful messenger of God's love and salvation.