The Shepherds’ Worship: A Journey of Faith and Praise
Scripture: Luke 2:15-20
“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 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. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Luke 2:15–20, ESV)
The Sky Grows Silent
As suddenly as they had appeared, the angels departed, leaving the shepherds alone under the vast, starry sky. The heavenly chorus had ceased, and the glory of the Lord that had illuminated the fields faded into the quiet of the night. But the shepherds were not the same. Their hearts still pounding from the miraculous encounter were filled with wonder and urgency. They turned to one another and exclaimed, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us!” (Luke 2:15).
They did not wait. There were no deliberations about their responsibilities or the risk of leaving their flocks unattended. How could they delay when the Savior, the Christ, was in Bethlehem? When God’s word instructs us, it requires immediate action motivated by love. With haste, they ran toward the small town, their anticipation building with every step.
A Search in the Night
Imagine the scene as the shepherds hurried through the narrow streets of Bethlehem, scanning every stable and enclosure. The urgency of their search likely caused quite a stir. Perhaps they called out to townspeople, asking if anyone had seen a newborn baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. This was no ordinary birth. The sign they were seeking had been given to them by heaven itself.
Finally, they found Him. Just as the angel had said, there was Mary, exhausted but radiant, and Joseph standing vigilantly by her side. And there, in the humblest of settings, lay the baby—Jesus, the Savior of the world, resting in a manger. The sight was both ordinary and extraordinary. What thoughts must have raced through their minds? Here was the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, the fulfillment of promises spanning generations—and He was a baby, lying in a feeding trough.
Obedience Without Delay
The shepherds’ immediate response to the angel’s message highlights a critical truth about faith. When God speaks, His Word calls for obedience. The shepherds didn’t hesitate to act on what they had heard. Their trust in God’s word through an angel was total, and they responded to the enabling grace with urgency.
This is a model for us as believers. When God reveals His will through His Word, our response should mirror the shepherds’—without excuses, without delay, and with unwavering trust that what He has said will come to pass. Just as the shepherds found everything “just as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20), we too can trust that God’s Word is always true.
The Miracle of the Manger
What did the shepherds feel as they gazed upon the Christ child? Perhaps they marveled at the contrast between the angel’s proclamation and the simplicity of the scene before them. The King of kings had come, not in splendor, but in humility. The Creator of the universe had entered His creation, not in a palace, but in a stable.
This moment was a profound fulfillment of God’s promises. Centuries earlier, the prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The significance of the manger echoed the message of the angels: God’s salvation is for all people, even the lowliest shepherds. His kingdom is not of this world, and His ways often defy our expectations.
Mary’s Quiet Reflection
Amid the shepherds’ excited recounting of the angelic message, Mary sat quietly, treasuring every word. She pondered these events, holding them close to her heart. For nine months, she had carried the weight of Gabriel’s announcement, Joseph’s dream, and her own faith. Now, as she looked at her son—God incarnate—she must have wondered what lay ahead for Him.
Mary’s response invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s birth. Like her, we may not fully grasp God’s plans, but we can treasure His promises and trust in His faithfulness. Her example reminds us that faith often involves pondering and waiting, holding fast to God’s Word even when the future is unclear.
Glorifying and Praising God
The shepherds could not keep the good news to themselves. After seeing Jesus, they began to spread the word, telling everyone they encountered what the angels had said about this child. Those who heard their story were amazed. But the shepherds didn’t stop there. As they returned to their fields, they glorified and praised God for all they had seen and heard.
This is the natural response to encountering Christ: worship and proclamation. The shepherds’ joy overflowed into praise, and their testimony was the means for sharing the good news for all people. Their journey began with fear and awe under the night sky and ended with hearts full of worship under that same sky.
Practical Applications
Respond to God’s Word: When God speaks through His Word or Spirit, act with obedience and faith. Trust that His promises are true and that His plans are perfect.
Share the Good News: Like the shepherds, let your encounter with Jesus compel you to share the message of His love and salvation with others.
Worship Fully: Let your Christmas celebrations be filled with genuine praise for who God is and what He has done. Worship Him not just for His gifts but for the gift of Himself.
Prayer
Lord God,
Thank You for the good news of great joy that is for all people. Thank You for revealing Yourself to the lowly and inviting us into Your story of redemption. Help us to respond to Your Word with faith and obedience, to share the good news of Jesus with others, and to glorify and praise You in all we do. May our hearts be filled with wonder and worship this Christmas and always. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Quote to Consider
“Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King. Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing.”\ —Isaac Watts
Encouragement
This Christmas, let your heart join the shepherds in glorifying and praising God. Reflect on the wonder of Christ’s first advent and let it stir your longing for His return. May your life be a testimony of the good news of great joy, pointing others to the Savior who came to bring peace and salvation to all. Glory to God in the highest!
