Thursday's Reflections

I was every encouraged through the discussion and interaction in the Adult Discipleship Class last evening. I have felt challenged/inspired/convicted by the Holy Spirit to take a fresh look at the "Christmas story." Is it possible that familiarity with the "story" can cause us to loose the desire to fully understand what God set in motion that night in Bethlehem? Is it possible that we have grown comfortable with just knowing the "theme" of the story and with being able to "identify" the major characters of the story? But I strongly believe that God has more to reveal and declare than just a theme and information about the characters. I still believe that the Truth of God's Word will provide those transformational moments in which our lives are radically changed from glory to glory. Would you join with me in a fresh pursuit of a life-changing experience with Christ?

Wednesday evening we looked at some of the reasons that the shepherds were included in the awesome revelation of the birth of Christ. I will not endeavor to speak to every comment/personal insight that was shared last night. I will only list some of the highlights and main themes that arose last night as we took a closer look at the important role of the shepherds on the wonderful day that we reference as "Christmas Day." You can read the full story in the second chapter of Luke.

These are a few of the major points that arose in our discussion.

1) The angels were not sent to the "upper class" citizenry of that day but to the common working man of that day and time. Notice the words of the Angel, "...Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings off great joy which will be to all people..." (Emphasis added)

2) These shepherds listened to God.

3) These shepherds responded to God in faithful obedience.

4) These shepherds went looking for the Baby Jesus until they found Him.

5) These shepherds shared with others the Good News that Jesus had been born in Bethlehem.

We can learn many valuable lessons from these men. I encourage you to delve a little deeper into the "full" story of Christmas. We may be surprised at what would take place in our lives.