Merry (almost) Christmas Everyone!
This time of year can be so busy, we often miss the real reason we celebrate Christmas — the birth of Jesus. We have all heard it before: “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Yes! He absolutely is, but I pray you would stop for a moment and truly think about the birth of Jesus.
I was sitting at church on Sunday and my pastor was talking about the shepherd’s encounter with angels who brought them good news of great joy — the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. It occurred to me that I had completely forgotten about the shepherds. Years have come and gone and I didn’t even think about them and their importance to the Christmas story.
I think it is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of it all, that we neglect to pay attention to details that are important. I mean if it is in the Bible, I would certainly consider it an important detail. A detail that I hadn’t thought about in years.
The shepherds were not only given the news that Jesus was born, but this was the first time in history that the gospel was spoken to a group of people.
This is important!!
The Bible says the shepherds set out to find Jesus with haste (urgency) as they trusted the angels sent by The Lord. When they saw baby Jesus they worshiped God with praise and glory for all they had seen was just as they were told. Seeing Him with their own eyes was reassurance that the Lord’s promises hold true.
In this moment, Isaiah’s prophecy that Jesus Christ would come as a baby was fulfilled.
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
May we remember to praise God today, just as the shepherds did when they laid eyes on baby Jesus lying in a manger. A baby who was born for a specific purpose— to live in flesh and experience life on earth, without sinning, and to die a painful and undeserving death, so we may spend eternity with our Father in Heaven. This Jesus Christ, Lord, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Savior of the World… He is worth celebrating this season!
“For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:1
I pray He would be Lord over your life today and every day!
With Love, Brooke
My name is Brooke Richards and I’m a Junior at University of Florida. My majors are psychology and journalism. I’d describe myself as a go-getter, who shoots for the stars, even when the outcome seems impossible. I started my blog to inspire people, provide a source of encouragement and share how Jesus is working in my life. I credit 100% of my successes to The Lord, who provides for me far more than I could ever deserve.
Contact Info: Email: blrich1399@gmail.com Website: brookerichards.org
