Scripture:
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:15–16
Devotional:
The sky had just been ripped open. Moments earlier, heaven’s armies had filled the night with blazing light and thunderous song. Then — silence. The angels returned to heaven, and the darkness of night settled again. Imagine standing in that stillness, the echo of glory fading, the bleating of sheep the only sound left.
The shepherds had a choice. They could stay in the fields, chalking it up to a strange dream, or they could run to Bethlehem to see for themselves. Their response was urgent and united: “Let’s go.” They didn’t wait until morning. They didn’t debate whether they were worthy to see the Messiah. They didn’t cling to their flocks, their source of livelihood. They left everything behind because what waited in Bethlehem mattered more than anything they had ever known.
And when they arrived, what they found was not what the world would have expected. Not a throne, but a manger. Not a crown, but swaddling cloths. Not majesty as the world defines it, but majesty wrapped in humility. God had kept His word. The Savior had come. And the shepherds’ haste was not in vain — they stood face-to-face with the hope of the world.
This moment asks something of us, too. How often do we linger in the fields, content with the ordinary, when God is inviting us to the extraordinary? How often do we hesitate, waiting for perfect clarity, when He has already spoken? The shepherds remind us that when God calls, the right response is movement. Faith doesn’t sit still; it hurries to Jesus.
Advent is not just about remembering what the shepherds saw — it’s about imitating what they did. Don’t stay where it’s safe. Don’t let the noise of life convince you to stay in the fields. Run. Hurry to the manger. Because in Jesus, every longing heart finds its answer.
Application:
What might you need to leave behind in order to “hurry” to Jesus?
How can you take intentional steps toward Him this Advent instead of lingering in your fields?
Prayer:
Lord, give me the faith of the shepherds. Help me not to hesitate or stay in my fields of comfort, but to run toward You with all that I am. Meet me in my steps of obedience, and let me find in You everything my soul has been longing for. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Sheep Ornament Craft (Quiet)
Make simple sheep ornaments with cardstock circles or wooden discs as the body. Glue cotton balls for wool, add googly eyes, and tie a string for hanging.
Tie-in: “The shepherds left their sheep to find Jesus — and He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin.”
2. Shepherds’ Footprints Path (Active)
Cut out large paper footprints and place them leading across the room to a small manger picture or nativity. Kids follow the footprints, calling out, “Let’s go to Bethlehem!” as they move.
Tie-in: “The shepherds hurried with their feet to see Jesus. We can walk toward Him too.”
Recipe Options:
1. Sheep Cupcakes
Frost cupcakes white, cover with mini marshmallows for “wool,” and add candy eyes.
Tie-in: “The shepherds left their sheep behind to meet the Savior — who would become the Good Shepherd.”
2. Starry Night Krispies
Make Rice Krispie treats, cut into star shapes with a cookie cutter, and sprinkle with edible glitter or gold sugar.
Tie-in: “The star over Bethlehem led the way to Jesus, the Light of the world.”
