by Kala Loptien
Good News, Great Joy
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“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.”
Luke 2:17 New International Version
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
Matt 2:10 New International Version
In our house, we have a Shepherd — aptly named “Sheppy” — who is “on the search.” He is in a new and incorrect spot each day; but eventually finds His way to the Nativity scene with Jesus.
I started thinking about the journeys of all the key players tied to the birth of our dear Savior: Prophets, Shepherds, Magi, Mary, Joseph and all of David’s lineage to name a few. All intentionally placed, with a purpose and a plan that would point to Christ.
Then I started thinking about all of us. There’s no doubt we’ve all been searching, (at one point or another), for signs, answers, fulfillment, hope, change, identity, you name it. I think sometimes it’s easy to fall prey to passive listening when it comes to Bible stories and verses we think we’ve heard over the years. The question is, have we really heard the news?
See, we are key stakeholders in the business of Good News too. God has been guiding and drawing us, just as He did then, to that glorious scene. The Shepherds glorified and praised God for all they had experienced. The Magi were filled with joy and bowed down in worship. Is this also our response when we hear these words and experience the redemptive power that accompanies knowing Jesus? Are our hearts also filled with inexplicable joy that leads to a life of worship? Do comfort and peace accompany us along our journey, even if that journey takes an unexpected turn?
Our search for hope, comfort, identity and our future begins and ends with that baby in the manger. May we find ourselves filled with wonder, peace and joy as we hear the good news of our Savior’s birth; then go running to spread the word.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
