Read: Luke 2:8-16
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Just outside of Bethlehem, there were shepherds caring for their sheep in the fields at night. Suddenly they were startled by an angel standing in a bright light. The angel called out to them in a friendly voice, “Don’t be afraid, shepherds, I am here to bring joyful tidings. The Lord Jesus, the Savior, has been born. You will find Him wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.”
After this announcement, the sky was filled with angels singing, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. As they listened reverently, how beautifully this must have resounded in their dark hearts!
Do you know what the shepherds did as soon as the angels left? They quickly went to Bethlehem to find the Lord Jesus. In our minds, we see them go. They went as fast as they could, for they had a desire to be with Him. Yes, they found everything just as the angel had said. They found Him lying in an animal’s feeding trough in a barn. Reverently, they bowed before Him and worshiped Him. There was joy in their heart, for this child was the Savior, their Savior. Their hearts were full of love for Him.
A Christmas like that would be unforgettable.
Sing: Psalter 259:5,6
Taken from Give Me Your Heart: Daily Readings for Children, by Rev. D.W. Tuinier
(Originally published as Geef Mij Je Hart, which is not intended to be a direct Bible quotation.)