From Flocks to Faith: The Shepherd's Journey Leads Us to the Manger

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step Like the Shepherds?

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” But the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; HE is the CHRIST the Lord” Luke 2:8-11.

Can you imagine what it was like for those shepherds? It must have been quite the night for them. They were minding their own business, hanging out in the fields just like they always did, maybe talking about the day's events. They were men, just like us. Different times and places, but they were no other than you or us.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace to men on whom HIS favor rests" Luke 2:13-14

Biblical scholars say there could have been over 100,000 Angels showing up as a "great company of the heavenly hosts appeared." Think of that: a Michigan Stadium full of Angels showing up in the sky at night when you are just minding your business. These 100,000 angels were cheering like their team had won the Super Bowl. It would sure get our attention!

Thinking about Christmas and the miraculous events in that field and in that stable in Bethlehem, where are YOU? Where are WE? How do we feel that same "emotional energy" the Shepherds felt that night long ago? How do we get "shocked" into taking the next step for our Lord and Savior? To take the next step and draw closer to HIM,

"When the Angels had left them and gone to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about" Luke 2:15

As we celebrate Christmas, may each of us ask ourselves this question: Are we ready to take the next step closer to Jesus, just like the Shepherds were?

We pray that the miracle of Christmas this year will create something in each of us to take one step closer to Jesus.   Like the Shepherds taking that step to the manger,  We may not have experienced a "Michigan Stadium" full of angels. Still, please know you have a group of men walking along with you and "cheering you on" to take a step closer to the "manager" and what it represents.

Merry Christmas to each of you.