As these shepherds slipped into Bethlehem searching for the new-born child wrapped in swaddling cloths, the few who were awake may have given sidelong glances in their direction. These shepherds rarely visited Bethlehem and when they did, it wasn’t usually in the middle of the night. They had a few clues to go on, but “lying in a manger” had them searching in the nearby stables for the young couple and the baby. We don’t know how long the search took, but Luke tells us they found the place.

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. Luke 2:15-16 NIV

The shepherds found the whole scene exactly as the angels had described. Here was a young couple gazing in wonder at God incarnate who was swaddled in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds knelt in quiet worship of this special baby. Most people in the world have a nativity depicting this very moment as part of their family Christmas decorations.

This scene has been recounted, re-enacted, painted, relived more times than anyone will ever know over the past 2000 years, but only those precious few who were there know the true wonder of the moment. As these temple shepherds who have been caring for the lambs in the field come and kneel down to wonder at the Lamb of God who is alive in the arms of a teenage girl, the world is seemingly unaware that God is with them-that Immanuel is now more than a promise. Immanuel is here.

Prayer Emphasis: Thank God today that, just as the shepherds discovered, His word is always true and His promises never fail.

For Family Discussion…
For fun and if your family is adventurous, re-enact the nativity with your family. Try to capture the emotions of each person involved.
Since we are told that shepherds found everything just as the angels described, is it possible that they were still doubtful as they were searching for the child? Describe their reaction when they found Jesus exactly as described by the angels.