“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.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:15-18)
I love this part of the Christmas Story. This is the part that I can relate to the most. It is the story of the underserving, lowly shepherds who were called to Jesus, not because they were worthy but because God is gracious.
The shepherds were invited by God to receive a new beginning changed by the Savior of the world. They were invited to not only see the greatest gift to the world, but then be the first ambassadors for Jesus.
I love this part of history because that is the reality for all of us. God has invited all of us who are underserving to come to Jesus and be changed by our Savior and Lord. We are then filled with purpose as we live as witnesses and ambassadors for Christ.
I pray we follow the example of those shepherds who didn’t go with the insecurities or fear. They went as those with something to offer. It didn’t matter who the recipient was, the message was worth sharing. It didn’t matter if it was rejected, it was worth the risk.
Why? Because God came to them; heaven was opened for them to know the Savior first. The shepherds were made valuable because the message of God was entrusted to them. That kind of gift outweighs human doubt and insecurity.
Like the shepherds, we have heard the message of Christ the Lord! What are we to do? Should we stay in our insecurities or be found to be too busy? Or will we see the value in which we hold; more importantly the value which is holding us. Let’s all live for this purpose. I pray we can all share the message of Jesus with someone this holiday season!