Matthew 2:15-17
When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child.
Christmas is coming…
And then it is over. We do the dishes, pack the leftovers in baggies, clear up the boxes and wrapping paper, and put the decorations away.
Our holiday festivities started with Thanksgiving, or even before that, and generally end the week after Christmas. We clean up and start a fresh new year.
But is this the end of the story, or the beginning?
Jesus’ birth is the beginning of Matthew’s story, and many of us sing about the shepherds hearing the news from angels and going to see the newborn babe. But the shepherds weren’t done – they didn’t just go back to their sheep and goats. The told others about the angels and the stable and the baby.
Christmas wasn’t the end of the story. It was the beginning.
I’m guessing that the shepherds were never the same after that night. They were probably 8-12 years old when they heard the angels and saw Jesus. They probably talked about the story every year after that. 30 years later, when they were dads with their own families, they may have gone to see Jesus. They may have been among the 5000 listening to Jesus, and sharing a meal with other Jesus followers.
The story didn’t end. They didn’t put the memories away. They told others what they saw and heard. The story kept moving from person to person…until it got to you and me, 2000 years later.
And the story keeps moving today. Each of us has a chance to share our Jesus story with someone. Are you ready?
I invite you to meet with me as we start a new year, and talk about your Jesus story. Who told you about Jesus? When did you meet Jesus? Who is God nudging you to tell about Jesus? I look forward to hearing your story, and helping you prepare to “report what you have been told about this child” to new people who are hungry for the gift Jesus brings.
Let Christmas be a beginning, not an end, as we keep the story moving. Amen.
Pastor Anna-Lisa Hunter
December 19, 2023
