Eight Responses to Meeting JesusSample

The shepherds praised God

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” (Luke 2:20)

A group of shepherds were going about their usual task: they were looking after their sheep at night. But then something totally unexpected happened. A shining light appeared with a heavenly messenger announcing them “good news of great joy”. A very special baby, a Savior, had been born in Bethlehem! Moments later, this messenger was joined by a choir of countless angels.

Not surprisingly, the shepherds were greatly startled. But when they had somewhat recovered from the shock, they made their way to Bethlehem to see for themselves the miracle the angel had pointed out to them. And indeed they found baby Jesus and His parents, just as the angel had said, “You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Then we read two important things: the shepherds spread the news to anyone who wanted to hear it, and they praised God for the miracles He had done.

The shepherds saw the Child, and that was enough for them to believe that He was the promised Christ, the Savior. Do you believe this too? Do you respond in the same way, by praising God and passing on the good news to others?