Scripture:
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.” Luke 2:8-13 (ESV)
Perspective:
Nothing beats opening your mailbox, tearing open an envelope, and reading a card saying, “You’re invited.” We love to be invited, because it means that we are included in a special event, occasion, or moment in someone’s life.
On one of the most significant days in history, shepherds were doing something very ordinary….their job. Night had settled around them, and they were just keeping track of the sheep. In the midst of the ordinary, God showed up. He said to them, “You’re invited.” Talk about a surprise birthday party that they weren’t expecting! God wouldn’t let the birthday of Jesus be forgotten. The most unlikely people were invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Yet, the shepherds were available, they watched an angelic show of a lifetime, and were invited to the Savior’s birthday. In the same way, God wants to show up in the ordinary activities of life, Christmas included. This Christmas, God is saying to you, “You’re invited.” He invites you into relationship with Him all because God loved the world so much that He gave His Son. So while you are passing a gift to your mom, dad, sister or brother, don’t forget to celebrate the greatest Gift ever given. Instead of speaking in hushed tones about the true meaning of Christmas, this just might be your year to boldly declare the love of God just like the angels.
“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
