Sharing the Good News
Dec 24, 2024
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:16-20 (NIV)
Our reading today reminds us of the humble shepherds who were first to receive news of Christ's birth. A heavenly host had illuminated the night sky proclaiming joyous news, and the shepherds made haste to witness it firsthand. In awe and reverence, they found Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus in the manger, just as they were told.
Questioningly and with curiosity, others around them listened as the shepherds, simple and unassuming, became evangelists of the most significant event in history. They did not keep this joyful news to themselves but spread it to anyone who would listen. Their hearts were elated, and their spirits rejoiced in the divine revelation they had received, leading them to glorify and praise God for the marvel they had witnessed.
The shepherds illustrate the quintessential Christian journey: hearing the good news, experiencing Jesus personally, and then sharing that experience with others. Today, we're reminded of our duty to share the love and salvation of Christ, like the shepherds, with everyone we meet.