How do you know?
That is a question that has always confused, maybe because I am often confused. But it depends on where you are coming from as to how you answer the question.
There are many different ways to learn. The methods of communication can vary from the text message to the message on the billboard, the letter in the mail or the unscheduled meeting at the store. Each time information is passed. It might be good news. It might be simple information. It could be anything.
But those shepherds were in the right place at the right time. Better yet, God knew them and knew where they were. Not the most highly favored in the eyes of the world because they often didn’t smell very good and maybe were different than the other people around.
The shepherds were the first to hear the good news. How did they know? The angels told them. And what they were told was amazing.
Let’s replay that one again.
Luke 2:9-14 NLT
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
I would have been scared. How about you? They had no idea what they were experiencing as it seemed, at least to us, a scene some a sci-fy or horror movie.
It wasn’t a scene from a movie. It was a birth announcement of the best kind. The one who was promised had come. The messiah. The savior. The one who would change lives.
Jesus changed their lives. How did they hear? They heard from God.
We can hear from God as well. This Christmas may we share what we have heard and do it with joy. You know, the joy which shall be for all people. Choose to share so others hear, and when they are asked “how did you hear?” they will tell even more people about the joy of Jesus first told to the shepherds.
Have yourself a very Merry Christmas, and may the Lord Jesus Christ be the meaning to your life each and every day!
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