The Shepherds

Merry Christmas!

In today’s reading, we will see a clear picture of the upside-down way that God chose to bring salvation. To us, this story is mostly old news. Of course shepherds were the first to hear that Jesus had been born! We’ve heard it a hundred times. But in Jesus’ day, no shepherd would have expected to be the first to hear this news. God was acting in the surprising way He so often does – and chose to announce the news of Jesus’ birth to lowly shepherds. As you celebrate Christmas today, keep your eyes open for the surprising work of God in your life.

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REFLECTION

The Shepherds

By Pastor Jeff Morlock

With Jerusalem less than six miles to the north, it’s likely that the sheep these shepherds tended were destined to be slaughtered in the temple there, as sacrifices for the sins of the people. And an endless cycle of sacrifices was needed, because the human heart is as dark as the Judean sky on the night these guys pulled yet another seemingly endless graveyard shift. But suddenly, a brilliant light. Glory! “Don’t be afraid,” the messenger said (too late). Good news! Great joy! A Savior!

If this year of 2020 has felt like an extended season of Advent to you… if the past ten months have seemed like one long, dark, night of waiting amid an apparently endless cycle of bad news, then please know this: the Lamb of God who was born that night to be the once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin - the Messiah who would give his life to break the endless cycle and transform human hearts - is still at work.

The prophets of old had assured God’s people that this breakthrough would come. But waiting eventually gave way to despair, and many gave up hope. Now the shepherds wondered, “Could the angel’s words be true? Could “Today” be the day? God has given us many precious promises in His Word, yet we often become weary in waiting. Waiting for breakthroughs in the world, in our relationships, and in our own lives. In those times, it’s good for us to remember the unsuspecting shepherds upon whom the light of God’s blessing and favor broke in.

St. Paul reminds us, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20). We say “Amen” to God’s promises when we experience Jesus for ourselves, rather than relying on secondhand information about him. “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about,” the shepherds exclaimed (v. 15). And they found Jesus “just as they had been told” (v. 20). In these days, as in those days, he is good news worth knowing, trusting, and sharing! Merry Christmas!

Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for leaving the grandeur of Heaven to become our true Passover Lamb. Empower us to seek you as the shepherds did, with engaged minds and soft hearts. Cause us never to lose hope, but cling to your precious promises; and make us always ready to give a reason for the hope we have. In your name, Jesus. Amen.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER - FRIDAY

FAITH - Pray for faith instead of fear, that many would come to faith in Jesus and that we would all trust God more deeply during this time.