26 Dec, 2011

'Twas the Day After Christmas

The Shepherds Tell Their Story ... 

 

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

The Shepherds and the Angels
8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
15When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After reading today's God's Story scripture, think about how you would apply these truths from the shepherds' response to the news of Jesus' birth:
  • The shepherds were in the middle of their ordinary worklife when the angel appeared.
  • The shepherds went with haste in search of baby Jesus.
  • The shepherds made known to others what was made known to them.
  • The shepherds returned to their ordinary life, but did it praising and glorifying God.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • Expect God to do something extraordinary in the middle of ordinary times.
  • Run toward Jesus! Actively search for his presence.
  • Make God's Story known to others in your life by telling them about how you met Jesus.
  • Remember to praise God and give Him the glory in your everyday routine life.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
  • Ask God to give you an opportunity today to share His Story - to make known what has been made known to you.
  • As life slows down a little after the Christmas rush, praise God for sending Jesus and give Him the Glory for your changed life by telling someone your story. Tell them how you met Jesus.
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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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