Scripture to Read: Luke 2:20
As we close out another Christmas season, God’s Word reminds us that the celebration does not stop with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the birth and news of Christ, God tells us in Luke 2:20, “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” The shepherds had witnessed what the angel of the Lord had told them concerning Christ, and then they shared the news with others. Upon their return home, the shepherds were transformed men. The shepherds would never be the same. Why? Because they saw, first-hand, the promise of God fulfilled through the Savior of the world having been born. That is why they glorified and praised God as they returned to their homes and work. God’s work in the shepherds’ hearts is the same work God wants to do in the hearts of every soul on the face of the earth. God doesn’t want people to celebrate Christmas once a year, but every day of our lives because “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Because Jesus has come, every soul can be saved through confessing our sins and professing Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Christ is the true gift of Christmas, and He offers the gift of eternal life through a relationship with Him (Romans 6:23). So, as we finish this Christmas season, continue to celebrate the good news that Christ has come, He has risen, and He is coming again!
Challenge & Application
1. What do we learn about the shepherds in their response to what God had done?
2. How will you celebrate the good news of Christmas even as the holiday season comes to a close?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!