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Luke 2:8-14 – Angels gave the shepherds a wonderful message. God didn’t use angels to spread the gospel. For that, God used people. When the shepherds left the stable, “they made widely known” what they had heard and seen. The message of the angels had become the message of the shepherds.
The core of the shepherds’ message was, “The Messiah, Christ the Lord, is born today in Bethlehem. We saw Him. He’s here.” This Messiah is the Great Difference Maker to a fallen world, bringing redemption to souls and broken situations. Godly Old Testament people had been anticipating His coming with great longing.
God’s people spread the message in two ways.
- By Words. Truth and testimonies were shared both in speaking and writing. God still uses people and words in conversations with unbelievers or nominal Christians, answering questions, sharing beliefs and experiences. Words express the message.
- By Living the Message. More than doing something, believers are something. A Christlike life adds power to a Christian’s words. People were amazed at Jesus because He taught with authority. For one, His life matched His sermon. People saw an extraordinary man. Jesus said He was the Light of the world (John 8:12).
Jesus said we are a light also:
“You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
A Christian life portrays the message. Some examples of things people see:
- A peace that comes with deliverance from sin and its power, the joy of salvation.
- The light of a holy life of good works contrasts with the dark of sinful living. “…but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
- Christian relationships: People who love others. Marriages where husbands and wives fill their roles, loving and caring for each other. Homes where parents nurture their children in the Lord and administer loving discipline, and children respect and obey their parents.
- Christians face hard circumstances knowing God is with them. We know nothing happens to them without God’s approval, and He works everything for our good if we love Him and are surrendered to Him. Christians can rest in God and His working for our benefit.
Like the shepherds, we have a message. By our words and our lives, we are a light to the world. Regardless of where we are, if the desire and effort are there, God will bless and grow us into Christ’s likeness, to become brighter lights.
He has mercy where we falter. He knows we have this treasure in jars of clay. We grow from where we are.
Can’t run? – Walk.
Can’t walk? – Crawl.
We do what we know is right. We say yes to God. We pray for God’s help. We keep God in the Highest place of love and worship. And we can be effective heralds of Christ to all we meet.