Check It Out

Check It Out

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 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.” Luke 2: 8- 18

It had to be the ancient equivalent of a modern day alien encounter.

A group of shepherds right outside the city are quietly settling down after a long day of herding. Most of them doze off around the embers of a dying fire, while one or two of them keep watch to protect the flock from wolves or mountain lions.

Then suddenly out of the blackness, a light! No wait, it’s a person? A person appears out of nowhere – floating and glowing against the inky sky. Undoubtedly some of them scrambled for cover. Others probably stood still, frozen in terror, unable to even speak. And then the being says something to them that they probably laughed about years later, but certainly not now.

“Don’t be afraid!”? That statement is almost comical. A strange, radiant man appears in the sky, and says not to be afraid? Sure.

But they listened, perhaps calmed by the angels soothing demeanor. And the angel gave them the good news. The Savior has been born, and is in a stable just a few miles away. And then fear gave way to amazement when the sky was filled with angels shouting “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, and good will to men.”

The angels departed, and the shepherds were left as they were just moments before. Silence undoubtedly fell upon them at they pondered what they had seen and heard. Then a decision was made by all of them. “Let’s go check out what they just told us about.”

This is a perfect example of what people with doubts or questions about Jesus Christ should do. Check it out! The shepherds heard the news and certainly did just that. Likewise, we should encourage people who have doubts after they to do the same. Check out what they heard. Make an unbiased appraisal of the evidence concerning Jesus Christ. Faith always requires a leap, but there is a plethora of facts can make that jump across the precipice much easier.

God, I would ask that you continue to show yourself to everyone who seeks the truth. And that they would follow that path which leads to your Son. Amen

Joe Hobby