Defining Moments
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
After reading about the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, Luke pivots to an unexpected place. A group of shepherds, clocking in for another late shift, are brought to center stage. What started as a normal day for ordinary people working a thankless job turned into a defining moment for their faith.
On this not-so-silent night, shepherds received the gospel, the message of “good news of great joy for all the people.” They joined in worship with the Heavenly Host. After the song was over, the angels left. This amazing heavenly encounter ended, and the shepherds responded in faith. They didn’t rush right back to work, counting sheep. And they didn’t just sit back down, letting the message end with that moment. The shepherds went to see what they had heard about. This defining moment changed their lives.
As if the shock of the heavenly encounter, the awe of receiving the gospel message, and the wonder of seeing the baby lying in the manger was not enough excitement, the shepherds shared this great joy with everyone who would listen. Another defining moment. They had encountered the Messiah and responded in faith by hearing, receiving, and sharing the gospel.
As we look towards Easter Sunday, I invite you to consider the defining moments in your own faith journey. Where have you been met by God? When have you received good news? How have you responded in faith? Like the shepherds who returned to their fields “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen,” does the message of Christ change the way you live? The gospel requires a faithful response. May you receive it with great joy and share it with all people!
Thank you Jesus for the good news and great joy of the gospel! May we respond in faith, giving you glory and praise. Amen.
EMILY HILL
Master of Divinity Student
Lynchburg, Virginia