And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 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. 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 had been told.
· How do we respond to the news God has become flesh and dwelled among us?
· How do we respond to the fact we are free from the bondage of sin?
· How do we respond to the baby born in a manger, sent to die for our sins and desires to be a part of our lives?
· How do we respond to Christmas?
Two thousand years ago, the shepherds had the right response! Informed by an angel the savior was born, they had but one response; To seek out the Christ child.
If you are going to have a right Christmas this year, you must have a right response to the news of Christmas. I love how the shepherds responded to the news of our savior’s birth…
The last part of verse 15 reads, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." THE LIVING BIBLE reads; COME ON! LET’S GO! Upon receiving the news there is an air of excitement in the shepherd’s response. The shepherds had the right response because their hearts were right. Having the right heart is essential if there is going to be right response to Christmas. Knowing a savior was born compelled them to go and search for the child in Bethlehem. Though the shepherds could not understand the full meaning of the angel’s message; they understood the need for a savior. Every year they would watch the priest come to their flocks and take the precious lamb to the temple for a sacrifice to cover the sins of Israel.
Now they hear the news, a savior is born. What other response could there be, but to go to Bethlehem?
Most people cannot respond to Christmas correctly because their heart is not right. Yet Jesus came to this world not simply to make our heart’s right but to make us right with God.
Paul wrote, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
The right response to Christmas is to turn one’s heart toward Christ, and receive his righteousness in our lives. The shepherds sought the savior and discovered the one who would one day make them right in the sight of God. This Christmas why not seek out the one who can change your heart, for if you seek Him you will find Him. James reminds us if we draw near to God he will draw near to us. (James 4:8)
Respond to God and you will have a right Christmas!
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