A Secret Song
Opening Prayer
Lord of the hidden treasure, help me value what is of true worth rather than the fools’ gold of this world.
Read LUKE 2:8-14
[8] And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. [9] An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. [10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. [12] This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” [13] Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, [14] “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are you drawn to what glistens?In God’s kingdom human status is unimportant. No wonder it’s been called the upside-down kingdom. So it’s significant that the first to know about the Messiah’s birth were shepherds, who were often despised, especially by religious people. Living outside on the hills caring for their sheep meant that shepherds were on the outside of religious life. Do we make wrong assumptions about people whom we rarely see in church?Already Zechariah (1:11) and Mary (1:26-28) had seen an angel. Now it was the shepherds who would (9). The angel’s news was simple but shocking: The long-awaited Messiah had been born that day in the town of David (11). The angel assumed the shepherds would go to see for themselves–who wouldn’t? What they needed was the sign that would tell them they had found the right baby (12). Have you noticed Luke’s attention to detail (7)? To cap it all, the shepherds–and the shepherds alone–heard the heavenly host speak about peace coming through the Messiah (13,14). That’s an interesting contrast to the earthly choirs who praised Caesar Augustus for his contribution to peace!
Apply
Do you ever have the thought, “God couldn’t possibly use me”? Commit 1 Corinthians 1:27 to memory.
Closing prayer
Thank You, Lord, for seeing the heart and for calling us to what is of real value.
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