Wednesday 12th December

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
The angel then told them about the birth of the baby Jesus and they hurried down to Bethlehem to see him lying in the manger. Luke 2:8–10

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked “Where is the one who has been born the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When Herod told them Jesus was not with him they travelled on, following the star to Bethlehem, to the stable, where they worshipped him and offered their gifts. Matthew 2:1–2

It comes as no surprise to anyone that the arrival of Jesus on earth should be made known to wise men, especially as they would carry the news across the land and to their own countries. They would provide a fitting welcome for a king. But why the shepherds? They were little more than hired hands in those days, all respect for them had gone, they were thought badly of and avoided as much as possible. But they too carried the news – to their families and friends and probably anyone who would listen.

God was making it clear from the start that Jesus was here on earth for all people, no matter what their race, creed, or standing. And they were, in effect, the first disciples, carrying the Lord’s message to the people.

2000 years later and we are the disciples. You will all be aware that Jesus did not seek out the good and the righteous, but the sinners, the downtrodden and those in need. He brought God’s word to the ordinary people. He ministered to them, taught them, healed them and served them.

We must follow His example and seek out the non-believers and bring them to God through our words and our actions. I know I’m “preaching to the converted” but worship and prayer is only part of our response to the Lord for His goodness to each of us. So don’t say “Sorry, I don’t do that.” Let us all carry His word to those we come into contact with each day in whatever manner becomes appropriate, and be assured that collectively we are a force to be reckoned with. With the Lord nothing is impossible.

Yours because His