The Right TimeSample

The Shepherds Shared the Good News

As we have looked in on the lives of the lowly shepherds we have seen them marvel at the word of God telling them of the good news of a Savior being born. We have seen them believe that this good news was for them and watched them run with reckless abandon to see this King who was available to the outcast. And now, in the aftermath of an incredible night, we see them give us a final example to follow: They shared this good news.

Luke tells us that the shepherds “made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.” In other words, their excitement was so overwhelming that they could not let this be a silent night. They made it widely known. These were the first evangelists of the good news and they spread this good news far and wide. Imagine being one of those that night who heard what God had done. You could ignore these men; you could easily dismiss them; you could listen politely; you could be enthralled, or you could believe them. The enthusiasm of their testimony might just capture your attention. What is it about the Christmas story that excites you enough to share it with someone else? The joy of these shepherds could not be contained!

Luke concludes the shepherd’s extraordinary experience with this statement: “they returned glorifying and praising God for all that they had seen and heard.” They went back to tending their sheep—their everyday lives—and in the midst of their every day, they glorified and praised God. The shepherds were at the right place at the right time to hear the good news about Jesus, to believe the good news, and then to share the good news with others. What about us this Christmas? Is it the right time for us to hear the good news about Jesus, to believe, and then share with those we love?

In this Right Time Advent Devotional Series, we have seen how Mary, Joseph, Simeon, the Magi, and the shepherds prepared for the birth of Immanuel—God with us. How will you prepare this year to celebrate His birth? Let me suggest that you take a page from the story of the shepherds to see that right now is the right time to celebrate the coming of Jesus. 

How will you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World this year? Please look for the other parts of this series, The Right Time.  

For more resources on spiritual growth—podcasts, study guides, e-booklets, and others—visit http://www.gsot.edu/center. The Grace Center for Spiritual Development at Grace School of Theology provides non-degree studies, live online bible study opportunities, and resources like this devotional.