Day 6
After seeing him [Jesus], the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.
Luke 2:17-18
How do you imagine the scene unfolded? Did shepherds tell everyone by shouting in the streets and waking up the sleeping town? Perhaps they were so excited as they tried to share the news that people asked them to calm down so they could understand what they were trying to say. However the shepherds shared the news, those that heard were amazed. Jesus, the Messiah, had finally arrived!
The birth of Jesus was incredible news for the whole world, and God chose shepherds to be the first to experience it. After they worshiped Jesus, they hurried off, telling others the Good News as they returned to their flocks.
The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
Luke 2:20
Because of their lack of social status and Old Testament laws regarding the handling of animals, the shepherds were excluded from entering the temple or testifying in court. Think about that for a moment: shepherds weren’t allowed to worship God or be in his presence in the temple, but he invited them to become the first to witness Jesus’ birth. Similarly, shepherds banned from testifying in court were now entrusted with testifying to the world the Messiah arrived.
Consider
The shepherds are a reminder to us that God uses ordinary people to share the Good News of Jesus with others. If you are a follower of Christ who are you being asked to share this good news with? Make a plan to spend time with them soon.