Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - To Those Far Away

Read Matthew 2:1-12. Listen to audio here.

We don’t send letters and cards much anymore. We have instant communication tools. We save money, but are we losing the personal touch? Many who are “far away” have to pay attention to see the news coming across our social media feeds.

As we gaze into the manger scene once again, we see that the figurines that have now found their way to the display are the Wise Men, those from far away!

I like what was written by Daniel McCoy:

“The wise men have been a source of inspirational sayings (“Wise men still seek Him”), narrative fiction (e.g., Martin Sheen’s The Fourth Wise Man), and even jokes: 'Why did the wise men smell like smoke? It’s because they came from afar.' A wise guy even suggested that the wise men should have been replaced by the wise women: they would have arrived on time, spruced up the nativity scene, and brought sensible gifts for an infant, including diapers.” (Renew)

Who are these Wisemen anyway?

According to Got Questions, “Tradition says that there were three and that their names were Gaspar/Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar/Balthazar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is perfectly accurate.”

Nevertheless, we know that they came from a great distance. How many were there? We really don’t know, but we assume three because there were three gifts given. The Christmas hymn, though not inappropriate, does give us a clue as to where they’re from. It indicates from the Orient. It being a very distant journey for them, likely 500 miles.

It would’ve taken them a long time to come and pay their respects and allegiance to a king.

We can also gain understanding that they were a community, not just three individuals. They would’ve traveled with all of their goods and servants, and likely wives and children. Somewhat nomadic, yet they represented many nationalities.

I like what was noted in some of my research this week because their presence “...emphasized that God's redemptive plan was not limited to a particular community or ethnicity but extended to all nations.” - Britt Mooney

We can also draw from our understanding of history and that time period that they were likely traders who would come to a new king and establish a new deal for their spices and gold in particular. Gold would not have been found naturally in the region of Galilee, nor would it have been found in Persia. It would’ve been much more distant than a neighboring region.

We can also assume that they would’ve had some context of understanding Rome and their form of government and their ruling over the province that included Galilee.

Their journey would’ve been not only a great distance but of significant danger. Warring parties who would’ve fought diligently for their goods and people their servants put them at risk. Herod, the tyrannical dictator, would’ve also presented a significant risk for them.

These nomadic people were certainly known throughout history and era. Early writers on church history would’ve given us a clue as to who these people truly were, but tradition seems to take over and accurate information may be hard to find today. Thus, we have them appearing in the manger… Helping to blur our knowledge and understanding.

Certainly, they are connected to Jesus’ birth, but they would’ve come at a later time and likely not to a major, but to a home. It could’ve been a year or more after Jesus was born that you would find these powerful, influential, and wealthy people coming to give gifts to welcome a king!

It is interesting to think about all that has been written about these nomadic people. Their introduction into the major scene presents a considerable challenge, and we have to depend upon tradition and early writers to help us understand.

What led them to Bethlehem? Likely, they were families with Jewish teachings as well as many other religious groups. They were also familiar with the mapping of stars. The Star of Bethlehem would have been most interesting because it appears as a new star (note what they said to Herod: “noticed the star and came to welcome a new king.”)

“It’s been difficult figuring out exactly what it was in the sky that led the Magi to Judea. Some proposals: the concurrence of Saturn and Jupiter, Halley’s Comet, a Nova (exploding star), an angel (for the association of angels and stars, see Job 38:7; Dan. 8:10; Rev. 8:10-11). Whatever it was they saw in the East got them to Judea, and when they set out from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, it guided them, moving and stopping over where Jesus and his family stayed.” (Renew.org)

These Wisemen would have also sought Truth! They were very knowledgeable and yet were seeking TRUTH!

These Wise Men would have also known the price for seeking the King. They counted the cost! They made provisions to travel once the star appeared in the sky!

Their worship was authentic and genuine. They were humble enough to realize that something GREAT had happened! They were looking for a royal king—thus traveling to the center of power first and visiting with Herod.

Again we turn to the article from the Renew website:

As for the gifts, “All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts gift for a king. Myrrh is commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.”

“The symbolism tied into the three gifts (e.g., ‘Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb’) can be exaggerated. For example, although myrrh was used at Jesus’ death (Mark 15:23) and burial (John 19:39), in the Old Testament, myrrh had a romantic connotation (Pr. 7:17).”

They took great risks—knowing the dangers that lay ahead for them.

Yet, we can learn something from their travels and from their gifts. In general, we learn about beliefs. These Wisemen would have known many beliefs and systems of religion yet, they sought after this king, Jesus. 

Belief will GUIDE YOUR WORSHIP.

What do you pay attention to? What keeps you from getting close to the Savior?

It is our belief that keeps us from knowing greater Truth. We remain distant from true worship because of what we believe.

Belief will GUARD YOUR WAY.

What distracts you from knowing God fully? What do you depend upon for knowledge to help you discern the direction and choices you make?

It is our belief that keeps us out of danger! Belief is a guard to your heart! It is a guard to your actions!

Belief will GROW YOUR WONDER.

Do you look for miracles? Do you let your mind wander? What keeps you from that childlike wonder?

It is in our belief that we find curiosity. It is in our belief that we hold to the incredible and live out our potential in faith through Christ. We become stalled and forget to look up to the stars for wonder and curiosity!

The journey to Bethlehem was a long trip for the Wisemen. They came from far away. Yet, the Wise Men we read about in Matthew 2 had to travel a great distance to see Jesus. They carried everything they needed for the journey—there were no Starbucks for coffee and muffins or the local coffee shop like J&J’s where I get gas fill-ups. 

They would have protected their treasures most! Why? They were meant to be given away to a worthy cause—a king!

While Herod said he wanted to come and worship, he actually was jealous and wanted to kill his competition. A baby threatened a powerful empire! Yet the Wisemen kept their secret from him and travel east from Bethlehem another way! 

What do we bring with us to church what will we leave behind?

We bring our selfishness….

We bring our troubles….

We bring our gifts….

We bring our vulnerabilities….

We bring our sufferings….

What do we need yo surrender?

I cannot visit this theme without helping us to look ahead! The new year is days away. It is a time when we hit reset or halt bad habits. It is a time when we make resolutions.

In Matthew 24 & 25, we know of the teachings of Jesus that offered us signs to look for the coming Messiah. Jesus will come again! This time to judge the world!

These signs are:

“... widespread deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and the global preaching of the Gospel, culminating in cosmic disturbances (darkening sun/moon, falling stars) and the visible 'Sign of the Son of Man' in the sky, followed by His glorious return and judgment, illustrated through parables like the ten virgins, talents, and sheep/goats, all emphasizing watchful readiness, faithful stewardship, and compassionate living.” (Footnoted by AI Google, summarized by prompt - “the signs from Matthew 24 and 25”)

There are signs that the Wise should be looking for today!

I was thinking and writing this week, and this thought came to me about the Wise Men: “Although their (Wise Men) timing was off and voices out of tune, yet,  their heart was pure and their worship was authentic.” (Personal thought journaled.)

What roads have you traveled that were rough and steep? What threats have you faced? What destinations have you traveled that were worth the trouble?

Christmas Letter 2025 - Abundant Opportunities and Blessings!

I like what Dwight L. Moody once wrote, “When I pray, I talk to God, but when I read the Bible, God talks to me.” 

2025 certainly has been filled with too many details that are hard to describe, except to say that it has been one of abundance in our opportunities filled with many blessings! This entry is at least an attempt to show the world that God is one of abundance through His outpouring of blessings!

Time moves too fast. It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. 

For me, the year began with one word that the Lord gave me. It was a word to guide me throughout 2025. That word is watch. Psalm 34:15 reminds me that the “eyes of the Lord watch.” Indeed, we are  experiencing this in both tangible ways as well as the intangible.

Let me start with some of those tangible ways and conclude with one note in my e-log that may count as the intangible.

The year began fairly routine with Cindi nearing her 19th year of ministry of Taylor University and my serving Youth for Christ, into my 3rd year. Realizing our opportunities to serve in ministry is a tremendous blessing. I continued to speak in a variety of churches during the first portion of the year.

We had many enriching experiences with Jase and Ellie. They are now 10 and 11 years old with 100% of the energy keeping us swirling with joy and laughs. Overnighters, family gatherings, baseball games, and lots of trips to Dairy Queen kept us hopping. 

In May, I received a phone call asking if I would serve as Pastor of Lancaster Wesleyan Church. This would be a part-time role. Cindi had already been serving there for several months as their children’s ministry director. Again, a reminder that the eyes of the Lord watch! After much prayer, we decided that God was indeed calling us to this wonderful community and assist in ways that would help further the growth both spiritually as well as draw new people in. 

That decision meant that I had to give up a few things in my schedule that would allow the attention to details needed to further these efforts.

As the Lord helped me realize that His eyes watch, I received another call asking if I would consider coming on staff with MovieGuide to help serve in a development/pastor role throughout the region. Believe it or not, this new role would make serving the church a lot easier. 

My role with YFC would consequently need to change. I believe that the work and ministry with YFC was very fulfilling and I found it hard to say goodby to the daily ministry that helped provide Campus Life within our regional chapter. Tears were shed and communications were sent. Transitions are never easy!

During the summer months, we had many transitions to make, but at the beginning of August I started a new full-time role with MovieGuide traveling five states to meet with friends of that ministry.

Alongside that transition began a few of incredible news-worthy activities that again reminding us to see the hand of God at work in an accelerated timeframe. Again these are reminders that the eyes of the Lord watch!

Jossy got married to Taylor! This marriage included the additional grandchild to our family with Claire (already 11 years old) created an instant family for Jossy as well as for us. My brother, Bob was involved in the wedding ceremony, making this an incredible experience for us. (I cannot tell you fully how much this blessed us and what an answer to many prayer this was!)

Jon and Staci also gave us the blessing of an additional grandchild, Miller (Kate); we welcomed her into our family in July. What joy to see that Jon’s family now includes three grandkids! Ellie and Jase had no problem making room in their hearts for this new little one and we have been truly blessed!

Jeremiah & Destiny also blessed us with an additional grandchild. In August little Liam (Edward) was welcomed into our family. It was a wonderful celebration to join together with family to welcome this precious little life! 

The year continued with more exciting news. We also were surprised to be told that Jossy is pregnant with her first child. Several weeks into her pregnancy, she is finding joy in her life! 

I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful we are to see the growth in our children in the addition to their family. God has truly used people to influence and bless them!

There are so many tremendous opportunities that God has given to us this year. These are all opportunities to say how grateful we are for his provision in our lives. We realize that we aren’t owed anything, but that we are indebted to God who is the redeemer of our soul who has rescued us from sin and destruction. He has provided for us even in our present suffering. 

Wrapping up this year has reminded us that even though there are present difficulties, God has not abandoned us, The eyes of the Lord watch! 

Most recently, Cindi has had a few injuries resulting from falling. She is recovering well, although she is dealing with two broken ankles and a broken wrist. Though Cindi is frustrated and adjustments are being made, we feel that God has a plan yet to unfold before us a wonderful miracle or two. God is faithful and we are feeling blessed. 

I am reminded that our love extends much more deeply than simply “going about our business” and simply living together. Our love carries responsibilities that demonstrate our love for one another! 

As I close this year's family newsletter, I am reminded that both big and small answers to prayer are in-keeping with the gift of a single word God gave me. That word is WATCH from Psalm 34:25: The eyes of the Lord, Watch! 

The Longest Night & Biggest Victory!

December 21 is considered to be the longest night. It is right at this moment of the calendar year that the days become the shortest. That is just before the dawn when the days begin to get a little longer.

Many gather for a time of mourning and grief stricken find hope and friendship. Churches and similar organizations gather to pray and bring support to those who have lost loved ones. By all accounts, it is the bluest day of the year.

In times of loss and grief, we are told that there is a comforter, the Holy Spirit who will come alongside believers in Christ for the support that they need. 

At the end of the life and ministry of Jesus, recorded in John 14, Jesus, he gathers with his disciples and tells them that he is going away. Their time with him on earth will soon end. They were obviously grief stricken, and like anyone who grieves, they have many questions with very few answers. Thankfully, the Lord gave to them the Holy Spirit as a comforter.

He does the same for us today. Though we will always have an emptiness in the loss of a loved one, our faith is extended beyond this world and through God‘s spirit we are comforted. We find hope and knowing that God is walking with us at our time of grief.

For those who have lost someone they love, your words could never fully express the needs of an individual. I believe it’s most comforting to simply have someone’s presence with them in their time of loss.

If this is you, please look to the Lord, the God of all hope. He will give you comfort that you are looking for. I also encourage you to reach out to someone so that they can join you in your suffering. They could be present in your difficult circumstance. We are words are never enough, but prayer and presence can be helpful.

So many want to isolate and not be a burden on anyone else. Perhaps they don’t even understand the grief that they’re going through. In each of the stages of grief, we find ourselves emotionally struggling to make sense of our loss.

Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that God knows your suffering. 

Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - Angels and Busyness!

How about those angels?

Angels play a significant role in the Christmas story and throughout biblical narratives, serving as messengers and divine agents of God's will. 

Here are several key points about angels and their roles, especially related to the Christmas story:

Today I would love telling the Christmas story from the angel’s perspective. I know that time is in God’s hands yet. I have to imagine that it was a very busy time for the angels. They had a lot to do to carry out the PLAN & all the details. 

Then there came a time when they had to PREPARE for their execution of all that was required of them. They were very much a part of the PROPHECY that needed to be
fulfilled. And then they gathered to PROCLAIM! Their anthem was heard across Bethlehem and especially to the lowly shepherds. Their anthem a song of PRAISE!

Like angels, we too are kept busy this time of year! You have your list - as do I. We rush here and there to get the best deals so that we can bring a smile to the faces of others. We take great joy in planning Christmas. Yet, how many of us miss the true
meeting?

What keeps us to busy?

What the stats  show. 

Feeling Overwhelmed: A majority of adults (around 60%) sometimes feel too busy to enjoy life, with parents feeling it even more acutely.

Exhaustion: About 40% of knowledge workers feel exhausted due to this cycle.

In the article, “7 Hypotheses for Why we are So Busy Today.” 

Busyness as a badge of honor and trendy status symbol — or the glorification of busy — to show our importance, value, or self-worth in our fast-paced
society.

Busyness as job security — an outward sign of productivity and company loyalty.

Busyness as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) — spending is shifting from buying things (“have it all”) to experiences (“do it all”), packing our calendars (and social media feeds with the “highlight reel of life”)

Busyness as a byproduct of the digital age — our 24/7 connected culture is blurring the line between life and work; promoting multitasking and never
turning “off.”

Busyness as a time filler — in the age of abundance of choice, we have infinite ways to fill time (online and off) instead of leaving idle moments as restorative white space

Busyness as necessity — working multiple jobs to make ends meet while also caring for children at home.

Busyness as escapism — from idleness and slowing down to face the tough questions in life (e.g. Maybe past emotional pain or deep questions like, “What
is the meaning of life?” or “What is my purpose?”)

(Provided by Kyle Kowalski : Busyness)

Quote: “We stay so busy that the truth of our lives can’t catch up.” — Brené Brown

Another article I researched reminds us that there are other factors at play as well. Mobile devices allow employees to be
reached anywhere, anytime. “We can’t get away from work anymore,” says Gabe Ignatow, Ph.D., a sociologist at the University of North Texas who studies social change. “Even when we’re relaxing on the weekends, we’re often bombarded with emails, text messages and calls from the office.” (Ray Williams)

The birth of Jesus is what gives PURPOSE to our BUSYNESS & the Christmas celebration. We fuss and the rush fulfill expectations but it is God‘s great PROMISE to each of us! The Bible records such a great reason for the season: For unto us a child is given!

Depictions of Angels in Christmas movies: 

When we see the Christmas movies, angels are depicted in a variety of ways.

Many of these examples are not biblical but yet they make us feel good inside. In the example of, “It’s a Wonderful Life“ we see Clarence (the angel) who jumps in the river to save a man on the brink of suicide. He of course, is trying to get his wings. In the famous depiction, we get the ever familiar ending to the story and from Clarence, “every
time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.” Within that movie there are over 75 times that angels supposedly are getting their wings. Though this is not biblical but it is indeed cute.

In the depiction of a Christmas Carol, Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by three angels. Each of them deliver a message and causes him to have a change of heart. This too is
extra biblical.

No matter, angels are real. They have a variety of responsibilities and roles that seem to all come together at the time of Jesus‘s birth. God Emmanuel – God incarnate has come to us in the form. I’d like this a man.

We can see almost all of the characters depicted from this story. They are mostly depicted as messengers. Whether it be Gabriel delivering the news or angels in a dream to Joseph or even Gabrielle, who came to Mary.

We also see them as protectors. There you might find the Seraphim who are guardians and protectors. Some may say that we have guardian angels, but for sure Jesus had those that protected this vulnerable child.

Billy Graham tells a story:

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
On a deserted, narrow mountain road along a steep cliff, three missionaries realized they needed to turn their car around and go back down the mountain. 

But how?

They could barely see in the heavy snow, and there wasn’t much room—they could easily slide off the cliff. They prayed. A car appeared, coming from the opposite
direction. A man stepped out and offered to turn the missionaries’ car for them, and then he told the missionaries to follow him down the mountain, which they gladly did. Near the bottom, the man’s car suddenly disappeared.

Reports like this can only be explained as heavenly help from God’s angels!

As for Christmas …

Without a doubt the angels would have been certainly intrigued by the opportunity to see their God become like human. Born in the flesh would have left them
wandering as it did with Mary who pondered all these things in her heart. We find that the God of glory has stooped to our level so that we may know and experience,
the freedom, and the hope we have of canceled and delivery of sin. We will know of salvation because of the shed blood of the most precious lamb (willingly) given.

Let me focus on the messengers in this particular message. The Angels brought good news. They stated on several occasions to fear not. They even silenced a priest
because he was not believing that with God all things are possible.

Angels are powerful. Every occasion that we see angels, we see of their might. They are not weak. They appear to us in scripture as being able to mute a priest and even
with just one angel can destroy an army of 150,000 Assyrian soldiers to save the people Israel. Now that’s a warrior for you.

Moreover, we will see that they are worshipers. They are not to be worshiped. Feared, yes! Never to be worshiped. They are created beings that serve God’s plan.

So in our passages today, we find that the angels were busy. They had plenty to do.

They were fulfilling the plan that God spoke about through His prophets in their prophecy.

We see their power!
- able to battle evil.
- able to mute the priest, Zachariah.
- able to be in the dreams of Joseph and the Wisemen.

They fulfilled plans.
- waiting many years to announce the birth of The King!

They are fulfilling prophecy.
- the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah…

The angels were giving praise.
- They worshipped for all eternity.
- Yet, this night they were able to praise for the world to see the birth of Jesus!

Imagine, if you could, the angels have never seen God appear in this form of a vulnerable baby. Imagine their surprise and their wonder! The uniqueness of their
busyness was based on the various roles that one of them had to make.

From being GUARDIANS to protect Him or WORSHIPERS as in the Seraphin to the praise-worthy choir on that first Christmas anthem.

We can even see them as dispatched representative who brought MESSAGE of the miraculous.

It was a rather busy time and they were fully dispatched to be of MINISTRY to the savior throughout his lifetime. 

If you want to get something done, ask a busy person!

However, at the time of his death, tens upon thousands of angels were restricted from coming to his rescue. Everything that they were created to be was restricted
from rescuing the Redeemer, who died a cruel death as the supreme sacrifice – once in for all sinners.

Angels have many things to do but one action for all - To Worship for all eternity.

The angels saw in real time God’s plan to save the world! They saw God as Emmanuel — Seeing their creator as a vulnerable child!

… Imagine their surprise!

They saw their creator as royal - eminence!

They could not protect Jesus from humanity! Yet, Jesus was sent to rescue us from sin & death.

The Bible tells us that the angels worked overtime to announce the birth of a King.

The angels PROVIDED for every PLAN God had set. They delivered messages to many, ESPECIALLY Mary and Joseph. Though angels are primary characters in the
story even they needed to be told of the events to come through baby Jesus – like the rest of us, they were filled with anticipation! 

The angels : How many of them are there?

There are 100 Million perhaps according to passages in Revelations. 

The angels were fulfilling the PROPHECY foretold many years before this glorious night!

We are busy with our lives and pay little regard to what Jesus had provided — Hope, Joy, Peace, & Love.

The birth of Jesus is celebrated by decorations and gifts. Christmas is an incredible time of year with calendars filled up with activities.

They followed through on the PLAN that God had set before the very foundation of the world.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” - John 1:5

“We stay so busy that the truth of our lives can’t catch up.” - Brene’ Brown

They assembled as a choir to lift up the birth of Christ and PROCLAIMED it to the

The Priestly couple & especially Zachariah and the young couple of Bethlehem as well as the Shepherds, and to the world!

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven— PRAISING God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:13-14)

Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - The PowerLESS

Read Luke 2:8-20. Listen to the message and service here. 

In most cases, the birth of a baby is followed by announcements to the VIPs first. Baby showers and gender reveal parties gather the most important people: family and friends. On special occasions, those at the top of the list matter most, and we too prioritize them over others.

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been on a journey—a journey to Bethlehem. Today, we will take a deeper look at the background of both Bethlehem and the locals who live in and around the region.

Though we missed the first Sunday, Mary and Joseph were on a journey that required courage in their calling. They found that God provided everything they needed, including a place for the baby to be born. It was a borrowed space in the back room of a home or in a stable connected to the house. The location was not ideal.

While we must dispel a few myths, the story is nonetheless true and important. For instance, we need to understand that there was no innkeeper who prevented them from having a place for the baby. It was most likely in a home, and hospitality at that time would have meant they would not have been left out in the cold, even if the circumstances were less than ideal.

The scene that we often depict isn’t an exact representation, but that does not diminish the truth of the Gospel.

A star shone in the sky, pointing the way to the manger. We know that Herod the Great was a villain. Like Satan, he wanted to destroy us. His jealousy drove him to think that there was a king who would take his place. Herod was filled with rage because of his rejection of God’s love and rebellion against the greatest story ever told! We noted that the powerful resisted this Gospel message.

Even our culture today has turned Christmas into a commercialization that taps into our deepest desires: greed, want, and materialism. All contribute to circumstantial happiness—a shallow understanding of real joy! Yet, the story includes the lowly. The Bible tells us that the VIP announcement of baby Jesus was given to the lowly—those with no influence or power. The shepherds received the announcement first. The shepherds recorded that angels celebrated and told the powerless first. It is the lowly who were lifted. The shepherds were told to go and see the wonderful news that the Savior, Christ the Lord, was born. In the most humble of ways, Jesus was placed in the most vulnerable means—a manger. 

No Christmas story or major scene is complete without the shepherds. Why are they so central to the story? Why were they told first?

Let’s explore:

A. The Invitation Goes to the Lowly!

We see that the shepherds are like us! They are not the most powerful but the least! It is God who scripted this incredible story. The invitations were sent to those who do not usually receive VIP invitations.

B. The News Was Given to Those Seemingly Less Worthy!

We might raise concerns about having “dirty” people come to visit the newborn. In nurseries for babies, cleanliness is expected. The best Mary could provide was a hay-filled manger with a small piece of linen. We know that Jesus had no place to lay His head!

C. The Humble Birth Was Met with Astonishment!

The messengers were unskilled shepherds, an honored profession, yet it involved dirty work. They lived with their sheep, known for being dirty animals. Their value lay in the wool they provided, but that wool needed to be cleaned!

It is the humble—not the proud—who were invited by the impressive order of the Angelic Choir!

It is true that God lifts up the humble! This was true for David, the shepherd boy many years prior. This tiny town is where David, the King of Israel, is from! Remember him? He was the one chosen from the least of the sons of Jesse. He was just a shepherd—nothing impressive. Yet, he was chosen by God to be the King! He was a man after God’s own heart!

The story in Bethlehem is not complete without the shepherd! The angels orchestrated the greatest of all announcements to the descendants of King David. (I have to wonder if David was present in the planning of this part of the story. Did he meet with the Angel Choir and suggest that this announcement be given to the lowly shepherds?)

This was a journey of humility and honor for the shepherds! They were given the responsibility to go and witness the Christ child, then carry the message to others! The lowly were often ignored, yet they were chosen to deliver the news! Though they didn’t shout, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” they were similarly announcing this good news to many in the streets of London, Boston, and New York, delivering the newspaper—lowly in status.

I was a paper carrier. It was a route of over 100 customers, and I loved it. After school, I would load all the newspapers in my saddlebag and make the rounds. I was that messenger! It wasn’t glamorous or respected, but it was necessary. (My family had the route for over 20 years! After this route, we all worked at the Monroe Evening News printing press.)

These shepherds were likely descendants of David! Professions often pass down through families in this town. Even after being exiled, this was likely their profession. Many of the patriarchs were of lowly status!

There are two reasons why the shepherds are central to the story! Of course, Jesus was the star attraction, yet the shepherds and sheep were important to the bigger story of Christmas.

Last week, I mentioned that we cannot look at the manger without seeing the cross that Jesus would die upon for our sins! The Lamb is a sacrifice because shepherds did not kill their sheep—this was their livelihood. They sheared the wool, not the animal. It would make no sense to kill their livelihood. Yet, this was the sacrifice needed to pay the penalty of sin! The most vulnerable (as was Jesus) became the most precious gift!

We cannot miss the message of this simple manger. The shepherd's visit was important because they came to worship the Great Shepherd! Jesus is our Shepherd!

The shepherds know that they are to protect and care for the sheep! They risk their lives to safeguard their livestock. They would leave the masses to go after the one lost and lonely sheep (who often strays from the herd).

The metaphor is obvious! The Great Shepherd, Jesus, leaves the 99 to seek the one. The sheep know their shepherd! (Like my son Jon’s K-9 with the Sheriff's Department. The K-9 knows his handler.)

The shepherd has but one defense: his rod and staff. Lily performs the dual function of directing the sheep (keeping them in line) and warding off predators! The hook is used to reach down and pick up the weak and those in danger or in a ditch. The shepherd’s rod and hook are the all-in-one tool (like a multi-tool or scout’s knife). It is the only tool needed!

No one is left out! We too are included in the manger scene! Let me also explain the key to understanding this passage of text. This is where we now find ourselves!

What is the best candy to give on Christmas Day?

Two billion candy canes are manufactured in the USA. Most of them are given during Christmastime. The story of the candy cane is a great reminder for all of us today. 

It’s important to recognize that this is a gift for all eternity that was given to us through Jesus. This highlights how precious this gift is! It was Jesus who gave His all in a borrowed manger and a borrowed tomb so that we might have life and life more abundantly. God’s continued work of grace in our lives is available to us, poured out for us in this most vulnerable child who became the precious Lamb of God.

Is He your Great Shepherd? Will you allow His death to be in vain? In other words, will you pass up this precious gift delivered to us?

As R.C. Sproul tells us, “The most prominent people in biblical times were called by God from the realm of the culturally insignificant.”

Who are the powerless around you? As we wrap up today and reflect upon the town of Bethlehem and the lowly shepherds, let us realize how they responded to the announcement of the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Did they just sit there, or did they go and tell? We too are called to come and worship and then go into the town.

The text reveals that “All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.” (Luke 2:18)