Luke 2:15-21 (NIV)

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 them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is something God may be calling you to do that requires simple, obedient faith?
  2. How can you act on God’s leading this Advent season, even if you don’t have all the details?
  3. Who can you share the joy of Christ’s birth with this season, just as the shepherds did?

Devotion

When the angels departed, the shepherds didn’t waste time debating the message they had received. Instead, they “hurried off” to find the baby in the manger, just as the angel had told them. It’s easy to imagine them in a state of awe and wonder, but what stands out is their immediate response. The shepherds didn’t question or hesitate—they acted quickly, obeying the call they had been given. Their simple faith led them straight to Jesus, and upon seeing Him, they couldn’t keep the good news to themselves. They became the first to spread the story of His birth, glorifying and praising God for what they had witnessed.

What can we learn from the shepherds' response to God’s message? They didn’t have all the answers, and they didn’t wait until they understood everything. Instead, they trusted God, acted in faith, and shared the joy of His coming with others. This Advent season, we too are invited to respond in simple faith, to act on what God reveals to us, and to share the good news of Jesus with those around us.

In contrast to the shepherds, sometimes we can become paralyzed by doubt or uncertainty. We may wonder if we’re hearing God’s voice clearly, or if we are capable of fulfilling the calling He has given us. But God is looking for hearts that are willing to obey, even when we don’t have all the answers. Just as the shepherds trusted and followed God’s leading, we too can trust that God will guide our steps.

This season, as we reflect on the coming of Christ, let us embrace a heart of simple, obedient faith. May we, like the shepherds, respond to God’s call with haste, glorify Him for the wonders He has done, and share the joy of His birth with others.