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A Personal Devotional by Debbie Hall
Straight to Bethlehem
In the same region, shepherds were living out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for you see, I announce to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: because today in the city of David was born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!” When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”
*Luke 2:8-15 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
A true spiritual encounter will make you change your priorities! That’s what the shepherds discovered when Jesus came to earth. There they were, in the middle of a dark field, minding their own business, doing their jobs, when all of a sudden the flood lights of the glory of God shone down on them, and an angel of God gave them good news that changed their lives forever. In response to this news of Christmas, they went straight to Bethlehem to encounter Jesus. Their story is that of people through the ages who went “straight to Bethlehem” after hearing the good news about eternal life in Jesus Christ. A true encounter with God makes you change your priorities!
Early in Mark’s gospel, Jesus sees Simon Peter and Andrew busy at their jobs as fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you into fishers of men!” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. *Mark 1:17-18 (HCSB)
Just like the shepherds, a true encounter with God led Andrew and Simon Peter to an immediate change in life’s priorities! The change was just as dramatic for Saul on the Damascus road, when God changed his priorities forever, and Jesus became his Savior and Lord.
As a Pastor I love to see God’s Spirit on the move in the lives of people. Over and over again, I see the truth relived that those who are truly born again go “straight to Bethlehem.” They can no longer feel comfortable having the priorities they once had because they are no longer the people they once were!
Christmas time is now upon us again. All around us there are reminders of God’s love for people and the good news of salvation to all who repent of their sins and trust Jesus. My hope for you is that this Christmas, your priorities are as God-focused as the shepherds. I hope others will hear you say, by lips and by lifestyle, “Lets’ go straight to Bethlehem!” <><
-Rev. Danny Campbell
Senior Pastor, Wayne Hills Baptist Church