Have a shepherd's heart

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us. They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed (Luke 2:8-18).

How you can have a shepherd's heart:

• Listen. God speaks to those who have the time to listen. Are you too caught up in work, schedule, family, or leisure that you are not hearing what God wants to say to you? Maybe it's time to slow down and listen.

   

• Let your joy show. Can others tell that you are a joyful believer in Christ? Do your actions or language testify to what you believe?

   

• Know what to look for. Are you waiting for the proverbial "burning bush" in order to confirm your faith, or determine your belief? God typically speaks through less-flashy means: in mangers, in the lives of the poor and needy, in the mundane tasks of daily life. Don't overlook God.

   

• Make Jesus the Master of your life. Do you allow Him to rule your life, or are you ruled by your boss, your spouse, your children, or the almighty dollar?

   

• Believe what you hear. The shepherds believed what the angels had told them - and acted upon it. Do you believe what you read in God's Word? Do you believe His promises for your life?

   

• Go! Over your lifetime, and over this past year, have you moved closer to Christ in your understanding and love? It's time to move toward Christ. What will you do this coming year to become closer to your Savior?

   

• Seeing is believing. When the shepherds beheld the Christ child their belief was confirmed and they left the stall changed men. Have you allowed your life to be changed by Christ?

   

• Tell others. The shepherds could not keep silent about the Messiah. They shared the Good News and others were impressed - not by their eloquence or delivery, but by the truth. Have you shared the Good News?