And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:20After seeing the baby Jesus lying in a manger just as they had been promise, the shepherds returned to their jobs – but they returned changed. Anyone who has truly had an experience with Jesus goes away changed. They had encountered the glory of God, and their only response was to praise Him for what they had heard and seen. God does not disappoint. He is always true to His Word and Character. How does it feel to have a personal encounter with God’s glory? For the shepherds it was terrifying, motivating, exhilarating, and no doubt, reassuring. Everything they had been told was true. Everything foretold was happening. The day to day necessities of life were unaltered – the sheep still needed tended, their lives would follow the pattern of human lives everywhere: joy and sorrow, good times and hard times, days of birth, days of death, times of prosperity and need – yet there would be a difference. For these men had encountered the Living God, they had witnessed the fulfillment of God’s promise to all men, that a Messiah, a redeemer would come. God was not a theory or idea – He was alive, and personal.
God wants to be alive and personal in our lives today. This year, when we return to our normal routine after the holidays, let’s not forget the wonder of this season. Like the shepherds, let us remember to glorify God by holding on to the joy, hope, and message of Christmas and praising Him for all we have heard and seen.
Lord, we praise You for the truth of Your Word, for the power of Your promises, and for the change You bring into our lives. Thank You for showing us the wonder of Your love. Amen
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