As shepherds quietly watch their sheep in the fields, a heavenly sight interrupted their quiet night. An angel of the Lord appeared around them with such beauty and light. Oh, it was at first a terrifying sight until the angel said, “Fear not!” It was a glorious announcement! No trumpets announced His birth but Heaven rejoiced and the angels sang!
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
It was news of great JOY! The good news was for EVERYONE to hear! It was a day of waiting-THE SAVIOR IS BORN!
A precious baby was born! Only Heaven could announce His birth; it was for the world to see. A wonderful revelation came to the Shepherds so they had to search to see who what happened! They rushed with EXCITEMENT to the presence of the baby. A precious, holy, and small child was born in Bethlehem. A prophetic promise of God’s Word was fulfilled in the town of David. The shepherds received the news with joy and spread the word about the child. It WASN’T A SILENT moment it was the greatest announcement to the world!
Christ was announced with a heavenly host of angels who sang! “The shepherds returned GLORIFYING AND PRAISING GOD for all the things they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:20) So, I guess my question is why are so many Christians quiet about celebrating the Savior? We will decorate the house with trees, lights, and gifts to show we celebrate a traditional holiday to the world. We will fight over the crowds to get the perfect gift for someone but we neglect to share the greatest gift of all. We celebrate Christmas because the greatest gift of all came to the world-Jesus! For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son! (John 3:16)
God DEMONSTRATED His love to us, He offered us eternal life. What’s so amazing about God’s gift it isn’t just eternal life, but an abundant life on earth.
Do you ever think about your life as a gift?
If we did, maybe we would treat it better! Or do we realize it’s a gift one day Jesus will un-wrap before Heaven. What do you hope He opens? Will it be hay or stubble or precious jewels? Whatever you decide it will not be hidden, so it’s a precious thought. Bethlehem will always be remembered for the place of Savior’s birth but too busy to hear the announcement. Yet, how could they miss it? A bright star shown in the distance, angelic hosts sang with such joy, and a babe was born in a very peculiar place-a barn. Nevertheless God made the glorious announcement to the world but only shepherds heard it. A quiet night was gloriously interrupted to change the lives of simple shepherds who couldn’t wait to declare the news. God doesn’t need silent witnesses to show only with their lives; He needs REJOICEING WITNESSES who are willing to share the message. If we are not joyful about our relationship with Jesus, we haven’t really received the message.
Christ’s birth arrived to bring salvation; the return of Christ will finish it! So, there is another announcement coming! The babe in the manger grew into a King! The King is coming for a bride, a bride who is holy, beautiful, and awaiting the call of the groom. Only those who are ready will hear the announcement of the trumpet. The whole world witnessed the announcement but only a few went to see the child, so what do you choose?
We will give an account for our lives to Lord. Our lives are a gift to God, what we do with our lives is our gift back to Him. Our lives will be held accountable to the king, so how will it be presented to Him? Would it be wrapped in a gift to give to a king?
Soon we will celebrate our Savior’s return when we don’t know but the bride is awaiting the call!
Building strong marriages together,
Tina Wetor
