Sunday, January 1, 2006
Eighth Christmas Day
Luke 2:16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
THEY CAME WITH HASTE
These words do not seem particularly important, but they tell us so much about the effect that this announcement had upon the shepherds. This was certainly not a convenient time for them to be going into the village. Had this been the announcement of the birth of an ordinary child they would not have gone that very night into the village. They had no business leaving their sheep unattended in the field. They were certainly aware of the danger of doing so. Their livelihood was at stake. They might very well find on their return that the flock had been ravaged and that they were bankrupt.
But they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in the manger. They were not interested in verifying the announcement of the angel. For that they could have waited until morning and a more convenient time. They simply could not wait but must come and see that Child and let the wonder of the angel's word fill their hearts. This was not a message that could be taken in stride. They must kneel at the manger and let each new glimpse of the Child carry the truth of that word of peace into hidden corners of their hearts and minds. No wonder they were unconcerned about their personal fortunes!
