DECEMBER 18 LET’S GO STRAIGHT TO BETHLEHEM! By Ray Pritchard Author, Teacher, Guest Radio Host, President, Keep Believing Ministries
Today’s Passage: Luke 2:15–21
Advent is a journey. We start wherever we are in late November, and by December 25, we end up in Bethlehem.
When the shepherds heard the angels announce that Christ had been born, they said, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem” (Luke 2:15). I like the way that sounds.
“Let’s go.” I am going, and you are going, so let’s go together. During the Advent season, Christians of all backgrounds and denominations, from every tribe and tongue, young and old, male and female, rich and poor, all join to make this journey. “Straight.” No messing around. No detours. No excuses. “We’re on our way to see the Savior.” “To Bethlehem.” To the “House of Bread,” where the Living Bread has come down from heaven. We are coming hungry and thirsty because our journey is long, and we are tired. We are coming to worship the Babe in the manger. It is good to be in a hurry if you are excited about something that really matters. Nothing in all the world matters more than the birth of Jesus. That is what Christmas is all about. When the shepherds heard the news, they went to Bethlehem to check it out for themselves. Luke 2:17 tells us what happened next: “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” On that night in Bethlehem, outside of Joseph and Mary, the shepherds were the only people who knew Christ had been born. I wonder if we would have been as obedient. Would we have believed? Would we have gone to Bethlehem in the middle of the night? Would we have been as quick to tell the story?
Good news is for sharing.
God worked a miracle at Bethlehem – do not keep it to yourself.
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