A Most Ordinary Night

Scripture – Luke 2:12-16: ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” ¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What an experience that must have been for those shepherds. It would have been an ordinary night at work for them – just another night tending sheep. However, God broke into their lives that night at that time. First there was the light. Then they heard the message of the first angel. Then all at once a “great company” of angels appeared. And then, it was quiet again on the dark hillside outside of Bethlehem. I wonder who spoke first after that. Who came up with the idea to go and check out this story they’ve been told? However that happened, they went to Bethlehem that night, and as far as we know, besides His parents, they were the first people to see Christ on earth.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It was to ordinary, working people that Christ first appeared. I’ll remember that God uses ordinary people. All He needs is a willingness on my part to hear His word, go and see what’s happened, then tell people what I’ve seen. Luke continues by telling us that’s what the shepherds did. So will I.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I can’t describe the impact you’ve had in my life. Thank you for coming for us all – and even for me. Give me words to tell what I know of you. Guide me as to when and how to speak. Thanks again.