Luke 2:15-18
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
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 to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
When the boys were young, it was easy to purchase their gifts and hide them until Christmas day. Being a planner, I don’t leave Christmas shopping until the last minute. That also means that gifts need to be stored for a longer period of time. As the boys grew older, it became more difficult to keep their gifts hidden.
One year, my son, who is inquisitive and exuberant, found my stash of wrapped Christmas gifts. Upon finding the hidden treasures well before Christmas day, he excitedly unwrapped all of the gifts. He was so excited, he then proceeded to tell his brothers all of the treasures that lay in store for them!
God sent us Jesus so that he could be Emmanuel, God with us. This gift however is not one that is meant to be wrapped up and hidden away. God wants us to look for His gift and share it with others.
The shepherds who, upon hearing the announcement of the angels, went to Bethlehem to search for the baby that had been born. In the scripture narrative, the angels didn’t give a specific address, they said, “Look for a baby lying in a manger wrapped in swaddling cloths.” In the same way my son knew there was a treasure, the shepherds looked diligently for the treasure. God promises that as we seek first His Kingdom all His treasures will be added to us as well.
After the shepherds worshipped the Christ child, they spread the word concerning what had been told about his child. The shepherds didn’t keep the news to themselves, but shared it with great excitement. My son was so excited about the treasures he found, he couldn’t keep it to himself.
God Emmanuel came to be among us. He is delighted when declare to everyone the good gifts He has give us!
Written by Wendy Stirbet