Have you ever experienced something that you just to had tell everyone you saw? I don’t mean just your family and friends, but you may tell complete strangers, as well. It isn’t just a good thing but is an extraordinary thing.
The shepherds experienced something only a handful of humans had ever experienced. An angel had come to give them a message. They decided to go see this thing the angel told them about. After making the trip to Bethlehem, seeing the baby Jesus, they were compelled to tell others about it.
Now, we don’t know exactly where the shepherds were when the angel appeared to them. It is likely they weren’t far from Bethlehem. It is also likely that one of them stayed with the flock during night while. Perhaps they went to visit the newborn babe in shifts.
I can imagine them telling this story for weeks or months afterward. As they came in contact with other shepherds and people at the marketplace, they told the story. They were so excited, amazed, and overwhelmed by what happened, they couldn’t contain their excitement.
We are also told the people these shepherds told their story to were amazed. Have you ever heard a story that amazed you? Perhaps a friend told you about meeting someone very important. Perhaps they met a movie star or sports star. What did you think about that?
Evidently, the story the shepherds were spreading found its way back to Mary. For we are told that Mary treasured it and pondered it. If you were the one people were talking about, have you ever heard the story told by someone who didn’t know it was you? How was that? Did you quietly listen and say it was amazing, but didn’t let them know it was you? Did you hold the story they related in your heart and treasure it?
I can only imagine how Mary felt to have the tale of her giving birth being told throughout the town. Especially, as the story included the appearance of an angel and the heavenly host. It wasn’t just people talking about her, but all of heaven was celebrating. Imagine how it would feel to have heaven rejoicing over you. Do you know that heaven does rejoice when a lost sinner comes to Jesus? Heaven also rejoices when we are the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others.
I pray we all ponder the events that took place more than two thousand years ago. I pray we rejoice when heaven rejoices. I pray each of us decide to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Rejoice with heaven. Serve others. Return to Jesus. Live in His presence at all times.
Luke 2:17-18 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.
Marty Pressey 