In Matthew 2:4, Herrod askes the Chief Priests, and Scribes, “Where will the Christ be born?” They were quick to respond from Micah 5:2 “Bethlehem.” That left everyone with a decision to make. For the Chief Priests and Scribes they made a decision based only on their heads. While Bethlehem, was the spot of the Messiah’s birth, they had no heart to go and see for themselves whether the news they received was of God or not. Second, For Herod, he made a decision made only from the heart (emotion), He wanted this child, who was a threat to his throne, killed. But again, he was not interested in following up the information. Third, for the Wise men, they made their decision with their head and heart, which lead to action (hands). They went to the place where the Messiah was born and worshipped. There is an activation trinity with every opportunity we have before us. We can make our decisions based on our head, but that often leads us to a recognition but no action. We can make our decisions based on our hearts, but that often leads us to a a reaction over a response. It is when … READ MORE

Scripture does not tell us how long the heavenly host remained with the shepherds and conducted the unprecedented praise service. As amazing as that experience was the shepherds were still able to regather their senses and collect their thoughts after the angels departed. No one had to prod the shepherds into the right response to the divine messengers’ words. They were in full agreement that nothing would deter them from going immediately to find the newly arrived Savior. The shepherds understood that they had received a word from God, and the reality of it was that Messiah had been born that same day. Their actions would affirm their eagerness of faith and prove that they were participants in more than a mere earthly drama. Their response leads us to the question: “Does the message of our deliverance from sin, move us into action?” Are we willing to leave those things that are important to us, to go and worship our Messiah? Going to a house of worship (church), is an important part of our growing faith. For it is there that we are able to see and hear more information concerning the love and grace of our God. As you … READ MORE

What the shepherds saw in the skies near Bethlehem the night of our Savior’s birth was unprecedented in human experience. An Angel, accompanied by a countless multitude of other heavenly messengers, suddenly and unforgettably intervened in the shepherd’s lives. The long-awaited Christ, the Savior of the world, God in human felsh, had just been born in a shelter in nearby Bethlehem. It may be hard to place ourselves into the shepherd’s situation, but they responded to what they saw and heard much the same way as we should respond to far more ordinary events. They had to find out more, and they had to tell others. Even more to the point, the shepherds’ response serves as a good illustration of how people respond in a saving manner to the gospel. As we prepare for December 25th to roll around, take the time today to read and reflect on Luke 2:15-20, and then go and learn of Jesus, and as you learn of Him, tell others with confidence what He has revealed to you through His Word. … READ MORE