A Shepherd's Perspective On Christmas

After they found the family, they made widely known that which was told to them by the heavenly hosts.

Just like the shepherds, when we come to realize who this baby is and how He grew up to take the sin of the world, we will also share the Good News of the Gospel which we have received.

Imagine finding the fountain of youth or hitting the lottery, you would probably shout about it. If you have found Jesus, shout about it. When Phillip was found by Jesus, he told others.

John 1:43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me."

John 1:44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

John 1:45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." NKJV

If we truly believe that Jesus is who He said He is and that all people have to make a choice about eternity here on earth before they die, then we should tell everybody about the Gospel.

Hey everybody, I have found the One who forgives my sin, who saves me from sin’s wrath, and gives me purpose and meaning, here and now as well.

Sharing our testimony and the Gospel should become second nature to us.

If we will not share the Gospel and the Christmas story with others, we probably haven’t fully understood it yet.

Then, after sharing the Good News of Christmas…

V. The Shepherds return praising and glorifying God.

Read Luke 2:19-20

Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Mary meditated over all the things which took place in her heart, trying to understand the meaning of it all.

She had previously been promised by the angel in Luke 1:30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Luke 1:31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. NKJV

Mary was probably meditating knowing this was the Lord’s doing. Even as people back in Nazareth were probably gossiping about her and Joseph, Mary knew the truth about Jesus.

God works through all kinds of events to accomplish His plan.

And then we are told that the shepherds returned to the flock.

Remember what the shepherds were doing prior to the visit from the angel; they were keeping watch over the flock and going about the everyday busyness of life.

Now as the shepherds return to the field, they were instantly and forever changed, because of their encounter with Jesus.

When a person has a genuine encounter with the Living God, Jesus Christ, they will be instantly and forever changed.

When a person has a genuine encounter, they are not perfect but, changed, none the less.

Think back to the story of Moses and the burning bush. He was instantly and forever changed in that moment.

Think back to the story of Isaiah and his encounter with the Lord at the altar. He was instantly and forever changed in that moment.

Think back to the story of Abraham when the Lord visited him. He was instantly and forever changed in that moment.