The Urgency Of The Night

[The shepherds] came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Luke 2:16

For many years in small communities all across America, there was one word that caused every resident to drop what he or she was doing and come running: “Fire!” Many communities still have volunteer fire departments, manned by local residents who are willing to serve their neighbors at a moment’s notice.

On the night when the angels from heaven announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds of Bethlehem, the shepherds responded with the same urgency. The news they heard would allow for no other response than to go immediately to see what had come to pass. This Christmas, we should be like those shepherds. We should let nothing stand in the way of focusing on the entrance of Jesus Christ into this world.

Be willing to set aside anything that obstructs your view of Jesus this Christmas season. To miss seeing Him is to miss the whole of Christmas.

To you in David’s town this day is born, of David’s line,

The Savior, who is Christ the Lord, and this shall be the sign.

NAHUM TATE