The good news
Last week, we explored how the holiday season provides an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and spread the Word. This week, we turn to the story in Luke 2, where an angel appeared to a group of shepherds watching over their flocks at night.
Imagine how astonishing and frightening that moment must have been. One minute, the night is calm, and the next, an angel suddenly appears out of the darkness. But what makes this encounter even more incredible is the message the angel delivered: Jesus, the Savior, had been born, and the shepherds were invited to go and meet Him.
What’s truly amazing is that these shepherds, who were often viewed as lowly and outcasts in society, were among the first to hear the good news and meet the Savior. Shepherds were not typically people you’d expect to be invited to something as important as a royal birth-let alone the birth of the Son of God. Many of them had a bad reputation, some were even considered thieves. Yet, God chose them to be the first to witness the miracle of Jesus’ birth. What a powerful reminder of God’s grace and the inclusive nature of His love.
As we reflect on this story dur ing the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to think about how we can follow the example of the angel and the shepherds. Just as the angel invited the shepherds to meet Jesus, we, too, can invite others to experience Him. While sharing our faith can feel intimidating at times, the Christmas season creates a unique opportunity. People are more open to hearing about Jesus and His birth, making it easier for us to step out of our comfort zones and share the good news.
The holidays are a time when we gather with loved ones and others in our community, and it’s a great chance to talk about Jesus, invite others to worship, and share the message of His love. Let’s embrace this season as a reminder to spread the Word, just as the angel did for the shepherds, and invite those around us to come and meet Jesus.
