[The following devotional was written by Wildwood Community Church Student Pastor Jonathan Holmes and is a part of our 2014 Advent Devotional Guide. We will be posting a devotional each day on this blog between November 30 – December 31, 2014.]
Who Invited These Guys? by Jonathan Holmes
Read: Micah 5:2 (prophecy) & Luke 2:8-20 (fulfillment)
As the census had drawn Mary and Joseph to the town of Bethlehem, the time came for the birth of Jesus. Wouldn’t you know that the angels showed up again, but this time, to some shepherds. They were told that something pretty special had just occurred and that they needed to go check it out; so they wasted no time and headed to see Jesus.
Out of all the people in the world, why on earth do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds? They were at the bottom of the social ladder. They spent all their time outside with a bunch of dirty sheep, and to be quite honest, it really makes no sense at all that these men would be invited to see the Savior of the world. Or does it? Jesus did not step onto this earth to cater only to the rich and prestigious, but also to the poor and neglected. In all actuality, the mere fact that they were just “filthy shepherds” is why their inclusion in the celebration of Jesus’ birth makes perfect sense. For rich and poor alike, God put on flesh for those who needed Him most … you, me, everyone.
When we begin to look past the outward appearance of others and into the hearts of people, we may finally stop overlooking those in need of Jesus.
Questions
- Who is someone you know who is far from Christ? How does the story of the shepherds remind us that Jesus came for ALL, even those who seem far from Him?
- What can you do this week to help introduce Christ to someone currently far from God?
Advent Prayers
- Ask God to reveal to you a specific person you have overlooked because he/she is different.
- When was the last time you deeply thanked the Lord for coming into this world for us? Take this time to just go before the Lord and show your gratitude for His sacrifice.
- Pray that this Christmas would be different in the fact that all the presents or family drama would not distract you. Keep your focus on Him this season!