The Good News Spreads

Having heard the Good News, the shepherds respond as they should–they hurry to see the baby that the angel had spoken of. As promised, they find the baby lying in a manger. These are the first believers of Luke’s story. They are not from the elite, the religious leaders or Herod’s house; rather, they are menial workers, shepherds. Such are often the people who receive God’s Word. They do not believe because of the glorious miracles the adult Jesus would later do, but they believe in a baby and God’s promise. Later an insurrectionist hanging on a cross would trust in Jesus as he was dying (Luke 23:42). Wonderful!

They not only believe, but they spread the word (17), as they had heard from the angel (10). For Luke, sharing the Good News is basic to discipleship (Luke 5:10; 9:60). Later Legion, the Twelve, the Seventy, the Seven, Paul and indeed all of the church would spread the word. They would testify in attitude, deed, community and word by the power of the Spirit throughout God’s world (Acts 1:8). Amazement concerning this child spread. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. Already the word of the angel is bearing fruit, “Glory to God in the highest heaven.” This word is an unstoppable force that will fill God’s world. In these shepherds we have discipleship in a nutshell: faith in Jesus, sharing the Gospel and glorifying God.

Meanwhile, Mary is storing up everything in her heart (19). Luke mentions this again in verse 51; we too should store up in our hearts the great works of God. These insights into Mary’s heart tell us that she is an eyewitness for Luke’s record of Jesus’ birth. Later, Simeon predicts a sword piercing her soul. What a time in the life of a young woman! Many young mothers today face similar struggles.

Do you know a mother who is struggling? It could be a single mother, a mother dealing with an illness, her own or her child’s. What can you do to encourage that mother? Act and pray.