Luke 2:15-21

Be Still:  Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, we pause before you now........ quiet our minds and steady our spirits. Let your word shine upon us and may the light of Christ bring clarity, peace, and truth. Amen.

Read: Luke 2:15-21

So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (v16)

Encounter: Luke 2:15–21 captures a moment of holy interruption. The shepherds who are ordinary, unseen and living on the margins are the first to receive heaven’s announcement. After witnessing the angels’ proclamation, they say to one another, 'Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.' Their response is immediate! They do not delay or debate. They seek the Saviour with urgency and expectation. When they arrive, they find Jesus just as they were told, lying in a manger. And having encountered him, they cannot keep silent. They share the news with everyone and all who hear it are amazed. Meanwhile, Mary treasures these moments, holding each detail in her heart. The passage ends with Jesus’ circumcision and naming: the moment his identity is publicly declared.

These verses describe heaven meeting earth, the unseen witnessing first and the Saviour quietly entering history. God meets ordinary people in ordinary places and draws them into his extraordinary story.

Apply: This passage invites us to examine our responsiveness to God. The shepherds didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They simply obeyed. Is there an area where God is nudging you to move, but you’ve been hesitating? Faith often begins with a step, even a small one toward where God is leading. 

We also see two meaningful responses to Jesus: the shepherds proclaim, and Mary ponders. Some seasons of life call for bold witness, telling others what God has done. Other seasons call for quiet reflection, storing up God’s faithfulness in our hearts. Both are expressions of worship. Which response is God inviting you into today?

Devote: Lord Jesus, like the shepherds, help me respond quickly when you speak. Give me a heart that seeks you with eagerness and trust. Teach me when to proclaim your goodness and when to quietly treasure your work in my life. Remind me daily that you are my Saviour, my hope, my peace. Lead me to walk in the joy of your presence today.