Made Known the Saying

And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. Luke 2:17, ESV

Have you ever been so excited about something you saw that you had to share about it? Maybe a favorite TV show, or a movie, or a joke? Maybe something funny that happened to you, something so interesting that you had to tell others?

In today’s verse, we read how the shepherds go and share about all that happened and had been said about Jesus by the angels! They hear the good news about Christ’s birth and have to share it with Joseph, Mary and others as well. This would have confirmed Joseph’s dream (Mt. 1:20-25), and the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary back in Nazareth (Lk. 1:26-38), and what the prophet Micah had said about a savior being born in Bethlehem (Mc. 5:2), and what Isaiah said about the mother being a virgin (Is. 7:14). All of this news was adding up to Mary and Joseph! So much so that Luke records that Mary “treasured up” these things in her heart! (vs.19)

What the shepherds did is something every Christian should do. It’s called being a witness! (Ac.1:8) Being a witness doesn’t require someone to pass the third grade or get a college degree from a Bible college or even know lots about the Bible. It actually means sharing whatever you’ve seen God do! Like when God answers a prayer or changes a person’s life! Like when someone becomes a Christian, or when someone gets baptized, or God provides for someone in an extraordinary way. When you witness something like that, you see it, you watch it, and then IF YOU DARE TO SHARE about it, you are being a witness! That’s easy! You can do that. Kids can do this and so can adults. In fact some scholars believe these shepherds were actually young teenagers who served as the first Christian witnesses.

Questions for reflection and discussion
1. Why do you think it’s important to be a witness for God this Christmas?
2. Who is someone you can still invite to be part of Christmas at North Valley?

Prayer
Lord, I will be Your witness today by inviting someone to church. You are worth it. News about You is the best news. I want to share what I have seen You do in my life and others' lives in my church, not only this Christmas but throughout the new year as well. Help me to be more like these shepherds to simply share what I have seen You do! In Jesus’ name, amen.