Forthwith

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
Luke 2:15-18 The Message

This year, as last, I ask God to awaken my heart again to hear the Truth written so purposefully into the Christmas carols we've sung all our lives. 'Hark!' The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild - God and sinners reconciled! Reconciled to God!

Have you ever thought about it from the shepherds' viewpoint? Lyrics from While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - Thus spake the seraph and forthwith appeared a shining throng of angels praising God on high... Can you even imagine what it would be like to have an angel appear in front of you "out of nowhere" - make the proclamation and forthwith a shining throng of them appears?!? I'm surprised the shock didn't kill them. Then what did they do? The Scripture tells us they talked it over, and they left RUNNING to see what God had revealed!

Do we make haste to see what God has revealed to us? Do we even move from our computer chairs to see to what He nudged us about or do we talk ourselves out of it? I don't want to become blasé about the Christmas story. Clouded and shrouded by years of tradition, do we dread the holiday and all the commercialism and man-made stresses, or do we see it for what it really is - God's greatest plan for mankind?

Prayer:

Father,
            Forgive us for dreading the day of celebration for Your Greatest Gift to us. Thank You for sending Your Son. Father, cause our hearts to burn within us so that we tell everyone we meet about this gift! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen