![[Drawing of shepherds going to Bethlehem]](https://www.deankwilson.com/Blog_images/shepherds_go_to_Bethlehem.jpg)
| “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” |
| —Luke 2:15b |
When someone is told about a spectacular event, the natural reaction is a desire to go and view this occurrence first hand. Notice how the shepherds respond to the angel’s announcement, as recorded in Luke 2:12-18:
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
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 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.
When the Holy Spirit speaks to our inner person and reveals to us that we are sinners who have grieved a holy God by our sins, we begin to have a sense of deep sorrow. Next, the Spirit speaks into the depths of our hearts and reveals to us the gift of love and salvation from our sins that God has given us in His Son. It is no surprise that our natural reaction is to open our minds, hearts, and lives to God’s redeeming power.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, let us remember, once again, that overwhelming desire we felt when we first realized what God had done in giving us new life in Christ. Then, as people cross our pathway, let us urge them, in the most winsome way possible, to go and see Jesus. Let us share the mercy, grace, and love of God through Christ our King.
Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2015
