Going to Bethlehem
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Luke 2:15
Read Luke 2:14-20
In our Bible passage, we read that the shepherds made their way to Bethlehem and then returned home. It is very remarkable how their lives were changed by Christ’s birth. Generally speaking, these shepherds were not held in high esteem; they were not high on the social ladder. Yet they were chosen by God to be the first witnesses to this event. Those of low degree were exalted. And they were not merely inquisitive. By faith, they went to see what had come to pass. They said: Let us go see what has happened. God’s Word was fulfilled, for the Word became flesh.
Remarkably, they did not speak about the angels that appeared to them. Neither did they refer to the refrain that sounded from heaven. Rather, they reacted to the message that was given. The news of a newborn babe lying in a manger received all their attention. When the Word receives entrance into our hearts, miracles happen. Then room is made for the Christ Child who can be found in the Scripture. When He has been revealed to us in this way, we have, spiritually speaking, been to Bethlehem.
How does the message of Christ’s birth affect you? Does God’s Word speak to your heart? If it does, this is proof that you have been found by Him. That is why we read that the shepherds also gave glory to God: And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. The angels’ saying also became their song of praise: Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace. That is the message for shepherds, students, truck drivers, carpenters and everyone else. Is your name also among them?
Thought: You never leave the church in the same way as you entered it.
Psalter 79:1,3 (based on Psalm 30) My God, it was Thy grace That did my strength supply; When Thou didst hide Thy face, Sore troubled then was I. To Thee I cried, O Lord; to Thee I made my supplicating plea. With grief to gladness turned, With sorrow changed to joy, Thy praises I have learned, And songs my lips employ; So shall my tongue thro’ life adore And praise Thy Name forevermore.