On this very frigid day, I’ll take the opportunity to cozy up and say hello.
It seems crazy for it to be this cold. It was negative 6 degrees when I woke up this morning. The windchill factor is negative 21 degrees.
The title of the forecast reads, “Hazardous weather conditions.” It’s a stay-home kind of day, for sure.
It’s hard to believe Christmas is three days away.
Are you ready?
Can I let you in on a little secret?
It’s not my favorite holiday. I hope you don’t think I’m a Scrooge.
But I do love the Christmas truth.
Luke 2:8-20
If you’ve only heard about the Christmas story, let me encourage you to grab a Bible and read it.
The story begins by introducing the shepherds.
In first-century Palestine, being a herdsman was a low position. The Jewish leaders thought shepherds couldn’t stick to the strict sabbath rules because of their type of work and therefore thought less of them.
But God didn’t see it that way. Verse eight says,
“And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”
Let’s unpack this for a moment.
The religious leaders (Important people in society) had their thoughts and opinions about these sheepmen. But God saw them. They were vital to him. Essential enough to tell them first, the good!
I love that.
Did you catch the last part of verse ten? The good news and great joy will be for ALL THE PEOPLE.
I love that in God’s eyes, he sees us all!
The angel continues to instruct the shepherds. A Savior is born- In the city of David- Who is Christ the Lord.
It’s great that God included signs for the shepherd, so there would be no mistaken identity. He will be a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
The scriptures continue, “And suddenly there was with the angles a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Peace on earth, goodwill toward men)”
Verse 15. “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.”
I love their response. “Let’s go and see.” Remember, the religious leaders scrutinized shepherds due to the type of work, they didn’t have time to focus on the rules and laws. I imagine them out in the fields talking with the Lord and perhaps singing to God on the nights when creation seemed so mind-blowing with the stars and galaxies displayed for their viewing.
God was sending this great news to them!
I wonder if He knew He could trust that they would share it.
What about us? Are we willing to share the good news of great joy with our neighbors and co-workers? What about our family? You know, the ones you don’t like?
Well, I love this story because there is so much hope and goodness in this season.
I want to encourage you to warm up by a cozy fire or light some candles for ambiance and read God’s word.
I pray that we will be excited to share the good news of Jesus after reading the truth about Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Jamie
December 22, 2022
On The Sea Of His Grace 