When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:15-20 ESV
I love Christmas! The dazzling lights, the trees, the decorations, the jingle bells, the hot cocoa, and the joyful sound of Christmas carols made this special season the most wonderful time of the year! One of the traditions I enjoy during the season is having Christmas music playing on the radio all day. The sound of Christmas music would start on Thanksgiving day, and it would last through Christmas day. But as soon as December 26th comes, the station would switch right back to their normal soft rock music playlist. That’s when my post-Christmas blues kick in. Why can’t we have Christmas all year long?! When the angel appeared to the shepherds on the first Christmas night, the shepherds took the front row seats of the glorious angelic Christmas worship! How amazing and appealing it would have been! But no matter how magnificent the scene was, the angels had to leave. Had the shepherds just resumed their normal night shift after the angelic announcement, it would be like Christmas just flashes by every year but makes no impact on one’s life, except for being just another day off.
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15) Instead of standing in the field, the shepherds rushed into town to find out what really happened. They find Mary and Joseph, and the baby laying in the manger, just as they were told. When the music faded, and the excitement of the angelic worship ended, the angels left, but Jesus was there. And Jesus was whom they needed to find. When they saw the newborn King, they couldn’t contain their joy! They went and shared this good news with people in town. They heard the angelic call, they sought and found the Savior, they believed, and they shared the good news! They lived out the true meaning of Christmas! The Christmas lights, decors, and music were lovely to have. As much as we wish they can last, the lights would go dim, the decors will be taken down, and the music will end. What keeps that true Christmas spirit in our heart is Jesus and our faith. When we can see the newborn King, Jesus, who was laying in the manger, in our heart, we can continue that joyful sound of music, everyday.
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Luke 2:20) The appearance of the angel was momentary, but the good news that the shepherds received and their encounter of Christ were life changing. After that eventful night, the shepherds returned to the field. Their duties as shepherds did not change, but their life did. When they met Christ, they could live a life that brings glory and praise to God, in spite of the job they had to continue. We also will need to return to our usual tasks, school, or work after the Christmas break. May our faith be more than Christmas lights and ornaments. When the Christmas lights are out, and the ornaments are boxed up, don’t store away our faith, and don’t let our light go dim. Keep sharing the good news of great joy, and let our light so shine before men. Our faith is in Jesus, the bright morning star that still shines, even after Christmas. It’s all about Him!❤️
Dear Lord, thank you for Christmas and the days after. You are the bright morning star that shines at all time. You are the center of my worship and the reason for the celebration of Christmas. Shine your light into my heart and help me to keep my faith in you. Help me to be the light and shine before men today, tomorrow, and on days ahead.
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