The work that night began like so many others, but became a night like no other. Perhaps God saw the shepherds and broke into their world to announce that He had, in fact, entered the world. The shepherds’ terror was met with reassurance. The message was clear. God is faithful. He had not forgotten His people. The one about whom Isaiah, Micah, and Malachi prophesied had arrived. Perhaps forgotten and overlooked at work, God used the shepherds as the first people ever to tell others about Jesus.
God Has Not Forgotten Us
Joy is the centerpiece in the announcement of the birth of the Savior. “Good news of great joy for all people.” Joy is also an indicator of spiritual health and the New Testament mentions is about 100 times. Unfortunately, some management styles, workplace cultures, and the demands for production leave us feeling forgotten and overlooked at work, even to the point that we might begin to think that God has forgotten us, too. When we start to go down that road, frustration, pessimism, and despair soon follow.
God Wants to Break Into Our World
But God has not forgotten us. He not only knows where we are and the work we are doing, but wants to break into our world to announce that He has entered the world. God is faithful. When we remember that, and really take hold of it, joy will burst forth.
God Has Called Us to Share His Faithfulness
Regardless of your job role, industry or societal status, God has chosen to use you in the world today. Like the shepherds, we are called to be heralds of this good news of great joy, proclaiming God’s goodness and faithfulness, through words and actions, to everyone we meet.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:9-12
