Reading the Word

Luke 2:15–17 (ESV) — 15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.

Understanding and Applying the Word

The announcement of Jesus’ birth went out to shepherds who were out in a nearby field. This is a strange place and a strange group to announce the birth of the Savior of the world, but nothing about Jesus’ birth is what we would expect. So, naturally, the shepherds wanted to go and see this baby that the angels had been singing about and praising.

When the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem, they found the baby Jesus just as they had been told. He was with Mary and Joseph and was lying in a manger. You might imagine Mary and Joseph’s response as the shepherds told them everything that had just happened out in the field with the angels!

The shepherds heard the message of Jesus’ birth and went to see for themselves. They wanted to see the baby who could save. When we hear the message of Jesus, it should drive us to seek him out as well. We should grab a Bible and read what God’s word has recorded for us. This is how we get to see Jesus now. This Christmas season, will you locate a Bible and make it a point to read through one of the Gospel accounts? Matthew and Luke both tell of Jesus’ birth, so maybe one of those would be a god pick? Make it a point to seek Jesus this holiday.

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