The Shepherd's Gift of Praise

Luke 2:15-18    
When 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.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.


What an exciting night for the shepherds. Such a range of emotions they experienced.  First, they were frightened at the appearance of the angels. Then, imagine their wonder at the message they heard. Could this really be true?  Had the Christ, the promised one truly been born that very night? Next, as they approached the newborn baby they probably felt, as we all do at the sight of such a tiny life, the marvel of the miracle of birth. Finally, the feeling of overwhelming thankfulness and praise to God the Father for the faithfulness of a Promise Kept.
 
Overwhelmed with thankfulness and praise, the shepherds could not keep the good news to themselves.  They hurried away and began to tell others what they had seen and heard.
 
Do you remember the time you believed the “Good News” of Jesus? Do you remember when you first truly understood the meaning of Jesus’ sacrifice, and His offer of forgiveness of sin? Was your heart full of thankfulness and praise as you acknowledged those truths and accepted Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord?  If you were like me, it was not my first instinct to shout it from the mountain top, but my heart was certainly full of joy and thanksgiving to Jesus.  But as a very shy seven-year-old I kept my praise and thanksgiving deep within me. However, as I matured in my faith, and grew in my confidence in Christ, there have been many times that I have been able to praise God publicly and speak of His love and forgiveness. 
As we keep fresh those memories of our salvation, our praises flow naturally, over and over again.
 
If you have never understood the importance of Jesus’ life, nor understood the need for Him to be a part of your daily life, please follow this link or email me at discerninghearts@gto.net and I will be happy to try to answer your questions.
 
Praying you know the Joy of giving Jesus the Gift of Praise at this Christmas Season
 
 

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