When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this Child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:15-18, 20)
Once the angels were gone, the shepherds didn't overthink it. They said, "Let's go!" They took off running toward Bethlehem and started hunting for the baby. (That must have made some noise, in those dark streets and alleys!)
And when they found Jesus, they were glad. They told everybody what the angels said, admired the baby, and headed back to the sheep, praising God.
The shepherds didn't overthink it. They just went. And they visited. And they told their story. And they went home.
We can do that too, can't we? When we're talking to friends or family who aren't Christians, we don't need to overthink it. We can simply pray and trust the whole situation to God, and then just be in the moment—say what comes to mind—be quiet, or speak—without worrying that somehow, some way, we're going to make a mistake that turns them away from Jesus. The Holy Spirit will take care of that stuff. He cares about these people even more than we do. After all, Jesus was born, and died, and rose again for them as well as us!
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to speak about You naturally when it's the right time, without worrying. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Are you uncomfortable mentioning Jesus to people you care about?
* Why or why not?
* What would it be like if you could stop overthinking it and just go with the flow?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 10-11 Revelation 19
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