Are You the Shepherds?

This year as I reflect on the nativity story, I find myself more and more fascinated that Jesus came as a baby.  This is the God who can wipe out the human race with a flood, make fortified city walls to crumble, cause fire to fall from heaven, and sets the the universe in motion.  He is the all-powerful Creator. We find that a man who simply reached out his hand to steady the Ark where God's presence resided died instantly.  The writer of Hebrews describes God's presence in chapter 12 as a gloom and storm; a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them.  

God is stronger, more awesome, and more holy than any of us can imagine, but this God before whom we will all bow our knees, came as a baby. A baby is so tender, weak, and precious.  He had to rely on his mother for nourishment, warmth, and care.  Although he himself was God, he entrusted himself to humanity.  This is a beautiful beginning to the greatest love story every told.  In Heaven, this same man who was a baby is being worshiped this very moment.  There is no boredom. There is only awe in his beauty and holiness.

  Take a moment to reflect on the story of the shepherds minding their flock, when suddenly they got a glimpse of Heaven in Luke 2.   At first these humble men where terrified, but then they were caught up in the joy of heavenly worship.   The heavenly hosts did not start praising for the sake of the shepherds, they were praising because God's plan was glorious. They were praising because they understood the awe of a king in a manger protected by the arms of a frail and vulnerable young girl. 

 This story should cause us to be like the the shepherds and drop everything to seek his face.  We should be filled with great joy and long to take part in the narrative.  When we have seen him, we will want to spread the news that such a strong and power king, truly gave himself in every way to those who would follow him, and he opened the door for us to behold him for all eternity.  So I ask you tonight: are you the shepherds?  Are you willing to lay everything down to see God's face?  Are you going to worship along with all of heaven at this gift of life we have been given?  Are you changed forever and going to spread the news to everyone you meet?  

Luke 2:8-17   

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15When 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.”

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,