Lisa Sheffler, author

Day 4 | Spreading the news

Answering the call of the angels, the shepherds rush off to find the Messiah. Imagine them huddled together around the manger — the craggy, weather-worn faces smiling down on the perfect Son of God. What must Mary have thought during these moments as she looked at her tiny, helpless son who would one day save the world?

Read

Luke 2: 16-20

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Reflect

Here’s the thing about news; it is meant to be shared. The birth of Christ, the momentous occasion that marked a new era in human history, could not go unannounced. God sent his angels to proclaim what he was doing. The appearance of the angels and the sight of Jesus amazed the shepherds so much that they immediately began to spread the news. Jesus — Savior, Lord and Messiah — was here! Now, nearly 2000 years later, it’s our turn to spread the news.

Christmas is a time of year when people might be open to hearing more about Jesus, or accept an invitation to come to church or watch a service online. But if we’re too busy with our own plans, we’ll miss opportunities to reach out to those who might know about the baby in the manger, but have never met the Savior and Lord.

As Christians, we know that the material excesses of this season won’t bring people lasting joy. Even the best gifts can leave us feeling hollow. People need to know that Jesus can bring true satisfaction in a world filled with empty promises. If we allow the Spirit to guide us, we can show people that the joy of Christmas is found in Christ.

We also know that Christmas is a time when many people feel sad, depressed, and alone. Anxiety is running high this year because of the pandemic and people can be brittle and easy to offend. Addictions can often get worse during the holidays as people become more desperate for distraction and relief, even if it’s temporary. People’s loneliness can feel more acute during the time of year that’s supposed to be filled with family, friends, and fun. Financial difficulties can be even more troublesome during the season when we’re called to spend and spend.

We need to keep our eyes and ears open for those who might be hurting. We should pay special attention to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers and offer help and compassion when we can. What better way to share the gospel than to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ during this time of the year. What better way to honor his arrival?

Christmas is our time to be like the angels, excitedly proclaiming the good news of great joy to all people. It’s our time to be like the shepherds, joyfully seeking and worshiping the Lord and then spreading the news of his arrival. Take some time to think about how you might share the good news this Christmas and pray that God will give you the opportunities.

Are there people in your life who are coming to mind as you read this? People you know who might be hurting? Practically speaking, what can you do to share the love of Christ with them Christmas? You can start by praying for them now.