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Many years ago, my family attended a small, rural church. The church hosted a walk-through Nativity play. Since the church was in northern Michigan, we set everything up inside. People entered a dark room and saw a few shepherds and a couple of live sheep. After the shepherds recited a few lines, a black cloth screen fell and a spotlight shone on angels perched  behind the shepherds. People enjoyed the scene.

It depicted the events recorded in Luke 2:8-14: ‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)

The last phase about peace on earth also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6. Take a moment to praise God for the gift of peace through his son.

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Don’t you just love A Charlie Brown Christmas? I know people whose tradition is to watch the cartoon each year. One of the iconic scenes from this classic is Linus reciting the announcement of Jesus birth from Luke 2. Here’s part of the passage from the New International Version: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:8-11)

Then, verses 16-18 tell us how the shepherds reacted to the announcement, “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (NIV)

Hurrying seems to be a part of Christmas, doesn’t it? We have events to attend and shopping to do. But see what the shepherds did after finding Jesus. They spread the word. We should too! Celebrate Christmas by telling someone else about the birth of Jesus!

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.