DECEMBER 18 CONTAGIOUS JOY By Tom Phillips Pastor, New Heights Baptist Church
Today’s Passage: Luke 2:15–20
Can you imagine how excited the shepherds must have been after the angels returned to heaven? The angels left them with “contagious joy” that motivated them to action. Not only had the angels introduced the shepherds to the birth of Jesus, but they had also revealed to the shepherds that all of heaven was celebrating the joy of the birth of Jesus. The shepherds could not just stay out in the field. They had to do something about it. They had to find this Baby sent from God. They had three clues: There was a Baby; the Baby was in Bethlehem, the city of David; the Baby was lying in a manger. So they rushed to Bethlehem looking for the Baby. Wow! Talk about Christmas rush, but this brings us a new perspective of the Christmas rush. Remember, they were telling everybody along the way what they had seen when the angels visited them in the fields. When the shepherds encountered Mary and Joseph and the Baby, they were changed. They worshiped Him. They told everyone about Him, and they admired Him in their hearts. The shepherds were the first witnesses to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah, and they spread the word. Then they returned to their flocks, glorifying and praising God, like the angels had done. Anyone who has a true encounter with Jesus should be changed from the inside out. This change should be contagious as followers of Christ to worship Him, follow Him, and spread the testimony of His saving power, His glorious presence, and His gracious provision. Why don’t you allow the joy of Christmas and the change that Jesus Christ has made in your life enthuse you to tell everybody you meet about a Savior who came as a Baby to change lives.
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