Read Luke 2:8-20
How Amazed Are You Of The Birth Of Jesus?
After Jesus was born and placed in a manger wrapped in cloths, an Angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in a field nearby and told them the good news of the birth of the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord. Then more Angels appeared and they all gave glory to God and praised him. Are we that quick to give glory to God and praise him for the good things he brings to us? Or are we too busy focusing on the negative versus the positive?
The shepherds were terrified when the angels appeared. They were told not to be afraid because of the good news of the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord being born in Bethlehem. The angel had said that this baby would cause “great joy for all the people.” After hearing such good news, the shepherds could not contain themselves. They were quick to go to Bethlehem and see the great event. They hurried off and found Mary, Joseph and the baby just as the angel said. The shepherds told Mary and Joseph all that they had seen and heard about Jesus from the angels. They were so excited to share what they had seen and heard.
I wonder when the last time I was so excited about my relationship with Jesus that I hurried off so I could tell someone what Jesus has done for me? When’s the last time I gave a testimony of God’s greatness in my life? God is doing great things every day. Why do I not acknowledge them?
When Mary and Joseph heard what the Shepherd’s had to say about Jesus, they were amazed and Mary treasured all the exciting things the shepherds said and also pondered them in her heart. The greatest Birth in history has just occurred, the Messiah is born, and having heard all that was said about Jesus was kept hold of by Mary and Joseph. It was not easily forgotten. It’s not easily forgotten by us, or is it? Do our circumstances kill the joy that was intended for us through our relationship with Jesus? Instead of pondering the wonders of Jesus, do we ponder more the things that overwhelm us? Lord, help us in our time of need. May the JOY of the Lord truly be our strength.
