Advent Devotional  |  December 24, 2020

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. Luke 2:15-20

People have many different reactions to life-altering news. The shepherds did what any of us would have done. They rushed off to see the baby Jesus. These men heard the announcement, which compelled them to seek Jesus. I wonder what the conversation among the shepherds would have been like when they were on the way to see Jesus. Having just listened to the announcement and seen the heavenly host, surely there was a mixture of holy fear, excitement, and disbelief. But once they arrived and laid eyes on God in the flesh, it changed everything. There is a big difference between hearing about Jesus and seeing Him firsthand. For centuries, people were told about Jesus. Finally, He came! Advent changed everything.

We now live in a world that our Savior has entered into. How does that news affect you? You’ll notice that the shepherds “hurried off” to find Jesus. They didn’t wait around and discuss the idea. There was immediate action after hearing about Christ. There is something beyond simple inspiration that wells up in a heart that anticipates seeing Jesus. Could this really be the Messiah? If it is possible that Jesus truly is available for me to see, an immediate and hopeful investigation must follow. Now, think of what it must be like to live life when Advent is a daily experience!

Advent can and should be a daily experience for followers of Jesus. In Matthew 28:20, when Jesus was ascending to heaven, He exclaimed, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus is with us! Every day, we have the joyous opportunity to see Him. His presence is personal, and it is through the Spirit. While we may not be able to rush off to the nativity, we can approach Him in prayer. Don’t miss the opportunity to know the God of this universe through a daily Advent experience. Seek Him!

Pastor Dave Mergens