Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Taking God at His Word

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had see 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.
Luke 2:15-18

The story of the birth of Jesus is so fascinating. It is such a beautiful story with so many pieces that all fit together. It has such wonder, such planning, such amazement in it, that you can't believe people could look away from it, especially during this Christmas season.

The story here of the angel appearing to the shepherds is another great part of the first Christmas story. They were as we say 'minding their own business' of tending to their sheep, when the angel of the Lord appeared to them and told them of the birth of our Lord and Savior. Shepherds, who were like insignificant in those times, were chosen by God as one of the first set of people to know about this wondrous event. God truly does take the base and foolish things of this world to confound the wise. (1 Cor. 1:27)

After one angel appeared and gave his message then the bible says, there was a great company of angels appearing praising and giving glory to God. There was celebration even before the shepherds could confirm what the angel was saying. We don't have to wait to see if what God says is going to happen. We can take Him at His word and rejoice while waiting to see the manifestation.

As soon as the celebrations were over what did the shepherds do? They said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has told us about." When all the fanfare was over they acted on God's word. They didn't hesitate. The Word says, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph. Oh that we would just take God at His word. Oh that we would not be slack in moving when God gives us a word. When all the praise and worship music is over, when all the clapping and singing in church is over, Oh that we would act hastily on the word that we have received from God.

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. (vs 17 & 18) What if the shepherds had doubted what God said through the angel? What if they had been disobedient? If they had, it is probable that some people would never have heard about the birth of Jesus. How will people hear if we don't tell them? When we hear the word on Sundays, when we receive a word from God, when God speaks a new truth to us during our devotional times, how will people hear of His love, His goodness, His mercy, unless we tell them?

We that know the real meaning of Christmas, how will people know the truth about it, unless we tell them?

God is true to His word friends. Just like He said it would happen through the mouths of the prophets, the birth of Jesus came to be. Just like He said Jesus would die for our sins He did. Just like He said Jesus would comfort us when we are lonely, feed us when we are hungry, clothe us when we are naked, just as He said, so it has been. We have to share with the world around us that there is hope in Jesus. We have to share that He came as a baby but now He is our Lord and Savior and He can be for them too.

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14

Don't celebrate this Christmas without Christ and don't celebrate it without telling someone about the Christ of Christmas.

Blessings,
Vickie

4 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Amen! How often do we not hurry to Jesus and take him at His word? Vickie, your words are always just what I need to read. thank you again for ministering to me.

Yolanda said...

Filled with anticipation!

Lora said...

What a great word! I so want to take God at His word and not be slack. This spoke to my heart Vickie.

Amydeanne said...

Amen! lets keep Christ in Christmas!