|
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. … And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:15-18, 20)
What a contrast between the joyful host of angels the shepherds had seen, and the tired, stressed family they found by Jesus’ manger! I wonder what they thought of Him, dressed in the humble swaddling clothes Mary had packed. He didn’t look much like a Savior!
But the shepherds were wise, and they trusted the angels. And so they spread the good news to everyone they talked to—that God had finally sent our broken, suffering world a Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. And as they went back to their sheep, they praised God, because they knew that God’s promises are never in vain.
It would be years before Jesus grew up and carried out His great saving acts—taking all our sin and guilt to the cross, dying to defeat death, and rising again to become our living Lord and Savior—the Source of real life for everyone who trusts in Him. But in the meantime, those who heard the story had hope to hold onto—because God’s rescue mission was already started.
WE PRAY: Thank You, Lord, for coming to save me and all people. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What great things are you waiting for in your own life?
- Does it help to know what’s coming?
- As you look forward to Jesus’ second coming, how do you find patience and joy?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
|
