Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 2:10

 When a child is born, the couple is quick to share the news to all their friends and family, the important people in their lives. When Jesus was born, an angel announced His birth to a group of shepherds living in the fields. The King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, announced to some of the lowliest people on the planet. Why them?

 …the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. Luke 2:15

 If you think about it, their job was to watch over the sheep and protect them from predators. When they experienced the angel’s announcement, they left the animals to go see the baby Jesus. They made time to come to Jesus. They didn’t have a “to do” list, they had 1 thing to do, but seeing this miracle baby became more important to them.

 Secondly, shepherds were lowly people. Who’d want that stinky job anyway? But that is who Jesus came to minister to; the humble, the weak, the sick; people who need hope.

 Thirdly, it doesn’t make sense to announce the birth of the One who will save mankind from their sins to this lowly group of shepherds. “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:17-19 When things don’t make sense, they become more notable, special, and this occasion was held in the heart of Mary.

 We all have busy lives, especially this time of year with the celebrations of Christmas. But the primary message from this blog is: 1. Do you have time to come to Jesus? He should be your main priority during this holiday. 2. Have you humbled yourself to be able to receive what Christ offers, an eternal relationship with God? 3. Sometimes things don’t make sense in life, that’s where faith and belief in what Jesus promises us…”I will never leave, nor forsake you”. Somehow, in the crazy moments of life, Jesus pulls it all together and makes for a special memory to cherish for a lifetime.  This is the time to put aside all other things and make Jesus your priority so you can fully experience the joy of the birth of Christ. God bless!