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Spread the Word

1st January 2009

The shepherds had heard the message about Jesus being born. They agreed together to visit him, and see for themselves. They had the amazing privilege of seeing Jesus the night He was born. We now read:

Verse 17
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

In a short space of time, the shepherds had gone from spiritual darkness to an encounter with King Jesus. They now knew the truth. God is real. He is Lord of the universe. And He has come to Earth in human form, to bring glory to Himself and peace to men and women.

Having come to know Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, what should they do next? They should "spread the word", telling everyone who would listen "what had been told them about this child".

If you and I have genuinely come to believe that Jesus is who the Bible says He is, Emmanuel - God with us, then we must not keep that revelation to ourselves.

The reason that the shepherds knew the truth is because the angels told them. But the reason you and I know is (in all probability) because a Christian told us. There was a day when I was thrilled to hear the Good News, and discover that God loves me in Jesus Christ. And there was a day when you were.

And there are millions of people whose lives can be changed, as ours have been, if only we will spread the word concerning what has been told us about Jesus.

Verse 18
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

The people whom the shepherds told were amazed - astonished. They marvelled - at the Good News about Jesus Christ. The Bible doesn't say they all believed the news, or lived in the good of it, but they all wondered at it. And as you and I spread the word, not everyone will believe us. Not everyone will admit to being amazed. But those who knew us before we encountered God in Jesus Christ will be amazed. They may try to ignore it, they may laugh at us, but they will be amazed that we claim to have found God. And some will believe.

There are many questions to wonder at. How could ordinary working men have come to such knowledge? Why was the Son of God born in a stable? Why did the angels rejoice on the hillside? What impact will Jesus make on my life? Can He really love someone like me? Are the love of God and the power of heaven really available for me? How can God forgive me for what I've done?

But it's best to start with the arrival of Jesus Christ - proving that God loves people, and wants to live with us.

If you know this Jesus, tell others. They need Him, too.

And if you don't yet know Jesus, let me "spread the word" to you, concerning what has been told me about this child - Jesus Christ: He is God, come in the flesh. He loves you. He wants to draw near to you and help you. He wants to give you eternal life. He came to Earth to prove it and He made it possible on the Cross. That is amazing. Surely it's worth investigating further.