Christmas Story – Day 3
On the third day of the Christmas story, we read about the shepherds in the fields who were visited by angels announcing the birth of Jesus. This is found in Luke 2:8-20.
The passage tells us there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
There are a few key points we can take away from this passage:
- God chose to announce the birth of Jesus first to humble shepherds rather than religious or political leaders. This shows God’s concern for the lowly and humble.
- The angels gave praise and glory to God for this event, showing its significance in God’s plan. The birth of Jesus is worthy of our worship too.
- The shepherds immediately went to find Jesus just as the angels said. Their obedient faith is a model for us.
- Mary treasured these things in her heart. We should reflect on the birth of Jesus and what it means for us too.
- The shepherds then praised and glorified God, just as the angels had done. The birth of Jesus causes us to give glory to God as well.
Overall, this passage gives us insight into the significance of Jesus’ birth. God announced it directly to lowly shepherds, showing his care for the poor and humble. The angels modeled the praise and worship the birth of Jesus deserves. The shepherds provided an example of obedient faith for us to follow. Mary pondered the meaning of these events. And the shepherds in turn gave glory and praise to God. As we reflect on the Christmas story, we too should praise God for the gift of Jesus and seek to know him more through obedient faith.
On this third day of our Christmas study, we see the involvement of the lowly shepherds and what their inclusion in the story teaches us. God cares about the humble. The angels modeled worship, and the shepherds modeled obedience. As we seek to know Christ more this Christmas, their examples show us how to respond properly to the birth of Jesus – with praise, worship, obedience and reflection.
The shepherds’ part in the Christmas story also shows that the gospel is for everyone – rich or poor, respected or not. The angels first proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, not the elite of society. God cares about all people, no matter what their status in life is.
Another lesson is the importance and power of believing God’s word. The shepherds heard the angel’s announcement and accepted it as true by faith. They immediately went to find Jesus in Bethlehem, eager to see the promised Savior. We too should believe and obey when God speaks, not doubting or hesitating. The shepherds show us that God’s word can be trusted.
There are other insights we could draw, but overall the shepherds’ inclusion in the story of Christ’s birth teaches us some crucial lessons – that God cares for everyone, that believing and obeying God’s word is imperative, and that praising God is the right response to who Jesus is and what He has done.
As we reflect on Day 3 of the Christmas story, may we be filled with faith like the shepherds. May we be ready to glorify and worship God for the gift of Jesus, just as they did that first Christmas night.
The shepherds were the first to hear about and witness the birth of Jesus. Despite their low position in society, God chose these humble men to be the first recipients of the good news of the Savior’s arrival. This shows that the gospel is for everyone regardless of background, class, or social standing. Jesus came to save people from every walk of life.
The angels sang praises to God saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven.” This demonstrates that the birth of Christ is an event of cosmic significance that brings great joy and honor to God. As we remember the birth of Jesus, we too should glorify God and proclaim praises for this gift of divine grace.
Though the shepherds held a lowly position, they were faithful to respond immediately to the angel’s announcement. They went straight to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. Their example calls us to obey God’s word quickly and to seek out Jesus wholeheartedly, no matter what it costs us.
Mary’s response was to treasure these things and ponder them in her heart. As we reflect on the meaning of Christmas, we should treasure the birth of Christ and give careful thought to its implications for our lives. The story of Jesus’ arrival offers much rich truth for us to digest and cherish.
After seeing Jesus lying in the manger, the shepherds spread the news far and wide. Similarly, the good news of the Savior’s birth is something we cannot keep to ourselves. We are called to share the gospel message with everyone we can, declaring alongside the angels the joy Christ brings.
The third day of the Christmas story teaches us much through the example of the humble shepherds. It shows the inclusiveness of the gospel, the glory Jesus’ birth brings to God, the importance of obeying God’s word, the need to ponder the meaning of Christ’s coming, and our responsibility to spread the good news of salvation to all.
On the third day of our study of the Christmas story, we’ve considered the remarkable inclusion of the shepherds. Though poor and uneducated, they were the first witnesses of Christ’s birth, demonstrating God’s care for the lowly. We’ve also seen how the angels modeled worship of Jesus and how the shepherds exemplified obedience to God’s word. As we reflect on their example this Christmas season, may we too glorify God, believe His word, and spread the good news far and wide.
The third day of the Christmas story focuses on the shepherds and contains several important lessons for us:
- God cares about the humble – The angel first announced the news of Christ’s birth to shepherds, a lowly profession, showing God’s concern for the poor and marginalized.
- Worship is our right response – The angel chorus worshiped God saying “Glory to God in the highest.” We too should worship Jesus when we consider the meaning of His incarnation.
- Faith requires obedience – The shepherds immediately went to see Jesus in Bethlehem just as they were told. True faith involves action and obedience.
- Ponder the meaning – Mary treasured these things and pondered them. We need to reflect carefully on the significance of Christ’s birth.
- Share the news – After seeing Jesus, the shepherds spread the news. We also need to share the gospel message with others.
As we ponder the shepherds’ example this Christmas, may we be known by our worship of Christ, obedience to God’s Word, and sharing the news of the Savior’s birth far and wide.
The third day of the Christmas story marks a pivotal moment – the coming of the gospel message to the most unlikely of people. We see in the shepherds the beauty of God’s universal love. Though poor and obscure, they were the first recipients of the good news of Jesus’ birth. This shows God’s heart for the marginalized. The inclusiveness of the gospel is on display.
We also see model worship from the angels, glorifying God in the highest for this gift of a Savior. Their songs call us to exalt the Lord with all our hearts this Christmas season for sending rescuing grace. The heavens rejoice, and so should we.
The shepherds set an example of obedient faith. They do not hesitate to act on the angel’s announcement, going straightaway to see the Christ child. Their quick response challenges us to walk in surrender to God’s Word. When we hear His voice, may we follow in trust.
Mary’s response was thoughtful contemplation, treasuring these things in her heart. We would be wise to follow her lead. The birth of Jesus is rich with meaning waiting to be mined if we take time for meditation and reflection.
And finally, the shepherds get to complete the story, spreading the news near and far. The gospel message always needs to be shared. We each have a part to play in telling others of the Savior who came that first Christmas morn.
On this third day, we find invitation, challenge, and encouragement to make this Christmas about worship, faith, meditation, and outreach. May the rich beauty of the shepherds’ experience infuse our own celebrations this year.
Key Points from the Shepherds’ Story:
- God cares for the poor and humble – the shepherds were the first to hear of Jesus’ birth
- Proper response is worship and praise – the angels glorified God
- Faith requires action – the shepherds immediately went to see Jesus
- Ponder and treasure the meaning – Mary treasured these things in her heart
- Spread the gospel – the shepherds shared what they had heard and seen
- For all people – good news came first to the outcast shepherds
- Right response is obedience – shepherds hurried to find Jesus
- Share the news – shepherds spread word of Christ’s birth
- Take time to reflect – Mary pondered the shepherds’ story
- Worship Christ – angels rejoiced and glorified God
As we reflect on the shepherds this Christmas season, may we exemplify the worship, obedience, sharing, and reflection they modeled at the birth of Jesus.
On the third day of Christmas, our focus turns to an unlikely group of men – the shepherds. Their inclusion in the story shows that Christ came for lowly ones too – the poor, marginalized, and outcast. Despite their status, God shared the joy of Jesus’ birth with them first.
The dazzling sight of the angels praising God also conveys an important truth for us. As we consider the meaning of that first Christmas, praising God for His glorious gift of Jesus should be our response too. The heavens rejoice, how can we do any less?
Though from an humble background, the shepherds provide an inspirational example of obedient faith. After hearing the news, they immediately went to find Jesus, just as the angel said. Their quick action reminds us that true faith requires responding promptly to the Word of God.
Mary’s reaction was also instructive – she treasured these events and pondered them deeply. As we reflect on the Nativity story, we need to treasure and digest these truths, allowing them to sink into our hearts and minds. There is rich meaning for us to explore.
Finally, the shepherds spread the news near and wide after seeing the infant Messiah. So too should we share the gospel story far and wide, telling others of what God has done in sending His Son into the world.
The shepherds’ part in the story provides lessons, admonitions, and inspirations for our own Christmas season. May we respond in worship, obedience, meditation, and proclamation.
