Praise

Luke 2:20, "And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (KJV)

There are many "stories" contained within the story of Christmas. Each of the characters of the Christmas story had their own personal encounter with God. These encounters are lived out on the pages of the Bible for us through the actions that these individuals took as a result of their encounter. We may need to pause the writing and reading of this blog and ask our selves some very pertinent questions. "How do I respond to the encounters with God? What actions do I take as a result of that encounter? Is my (your) life changed/transformed as a result of that encounter?" Feel free to add your own questions regarding your encounters with God.

Today's passage is taken from the shepherds encounter with the Christ child. First, they encountered a group of Angels that shared with them a challenging and life changing revelation. Let us remind ourselves of the words spoken by the Angels. "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:9-14 (KJV)

Let us notice the response of the shepherds to this encounter with the message that came from God through the voices of the Angels. "...Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." Luke 2:15b (KJV)

Did you take time to read the word "now?" They did not wait until tomorrow. They did no place it on their "to do list." They did not place it on their "bucket list." They made an immediate response to this declaration/invitation from God. They heard the Word, they received the Word and they obeyed the Word. I believe that is one of the "messages" of Christmas. God is looking for those people who will hear the Word, respond to the Word and obey the Word. Will you (I) be one of those individuals who will continue to take those steps of obedience and faith?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!