They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had

happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.

All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. 

Luke 2:16-20

If someone said they had the greatest news to share and would make an announcement soon, what message would your heart be hoping for? Would you be hoping that something you’ve been saving for had finally gone on sale? Would your greatest desire be that all of your debts were suddenly paid? Would you wish for financial security and the freedom to do other things with your money? Or would you hope for an announcement that would instantly give you fame or wealth or power? The announcement of the angel to the shepherds was infinitely bigger! It was an announcement that forever changed the world, each of our lives, and eternity. 

The angel spoke. The shepherds were terrified—but they went to find Jesus, anyway! If they’d had any doubts about what the angel said, their trip to Bethlehem put those doubts to rest. Because what they saw confirmed everything. But that was certainly not the end of the story. Those shepherds took what they knew and told everyone. They glorified and praised God where they worked, and presumably in their homes and community, and all those people were astonished! When people are astonished by something, they rarely keep it to themselves. 

Are YOU astonished by what the angel said? The greatest announcement this world has ever known was that the King of the World was lying in a Bethlehem manger. And that King came to save you! He paid your debts for each and every sin. He gives you security and freedom that no amount of money or anything else in this world can give. And greater than any fame or wealth or power you could ever dream of, your Savior bears the richest, most famous, most powerful name in history. In Him lies the greatest wealth of wisdom and knowledge and understanding of anyone in all creation. His power and His glory are beyond what you can possibly fathom this side of heaven. If you believe the angel, the shepherds, and most importantly, Jesus Himself, your astonishment and gratitude will make it impossible to keep it to yourself! If you have any doubts about the facts of the Gospel, open your Bible and find the answers. God will reveal to you exactly what you need. Once you believe, there is no going back! So take what you know and tell everyone at work, at home, and in your community, so others can be astonished, too! You are loved!!