The end of the three-part play finds the Shepherds looking at one another after the angels leave. It's one of those awkward moments when you know you should be doing something but nothing great comes to mind. It's that moment when you know you have been in the presence of God and words can't express what is happening inside. Knees are weak because of the amazement, the skin is moist because of the fear and awe, the mouth is dry, and forming words is almost impossible. It is times like these that the practical takes over. “Let's go see” one of them finally said, thus uttering one of the greatest phrases in scripture.
It is a direct link to what Jesus Himself will one day say to others who wish to follow Him: “Come and see.” In many ways the life of faith is a go-and-see experience. Putting faith into words and words into action are the bases of our daily walk. Going, seeing, believing are steps in a process which bring us closer to Christ and to the discovery of His plan for our lives.
I want to take a little literary license here and suggest that it is fitting that shepherds were the first group of people to hear the announcement, and that afterwards they had opportunity to share the story with others. The role of a Pastor in the church is the same. To go and see, to believe and then share the gospel with others who also might believe. Not that this was the intent, but there is so much to suggest that what God was doing was painting for us a picture of leadership through caring for others, like shepherds for sheep.
The story in the gospels has it climax when the shepherds come to the manger scene and find everything just as it was told to them. In that moment, we capture a glimpse of what intimacy with God is like. Truth revealed is one of the greatest faith builders I know. Truth believed is fuel for the fire of our soul and brings us to the only logical outcome of worship and praise.
Two things happened because of this announcement. The first was Good News delivered. The story told through the ages of the birth of our Savior, the hope of the world. The second was Good News received. Mary, Joseph, the wise men, shepherds, you and I, we have all received the good news of Jesus Christ born on Christmas morning.
The shepherds returned rejoicing. What are you doing this morning?
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