Scripture:
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” — Luke 2:17–18
Devotional:
The shepherds were the first to tell the story of Jesus.
Before there were wise men or disciples, before sermons or churches, there were shepherds—unpolished, unseen, unimportant. They were doing what they always did: keeping watch in the dark. But on that night, heaven interrupted the ordinary.
A sky full of angels declared what the world had waited to hear: “A Savior has been born to you.” Not to kings or priests, but to them—to people who smelled of sheep and soil, whose names no one knew.
They didn’t debate or delay; they ran. They had to see for themselves. And when they did—when they saw the baby wrapped in cloth and lying in the manger—they didn’t stay silent. They couldn’t.
The same men who once sat quietly under the stars became the first messengers of the gospel. “When they had seen Him, they spread the word.”
Their voices carried the story into the streets of Bethlehem, into homes and markets, into the ears of anyone who would listen. And everyone who heard it was amazed.
This is what happens when ordinary people encounter an extraordinary Savior—God turns watchers into witnesses. He takes those who feel unseen and makes them storytellers of His glory.
That’s still what He does today. You don’t have to have perfect words, only a willing heart. The same God who trusted the message of His Son to shepherds now entrusts it to us. The story of Jesus isn’t meant to stay in our hearts—it’s meant to move through our lives.
Someone near you is waiting to be amazed again. Tell them what you’ve seen.
Application:
Who needs to hear your story?
Ask God to put one name on your heart, then reach out this week. Tell them what Jesus has done for you. Your words could carry the same hope the shepherds carried that night.
Prayer:
Jesus, You trusted shepherds to tell Your story. Now trust me with mine. Give me courage to speak and a heart that burns with what I’ve seen. Use my words to awaken wonder again.
Amen.
Family Advent Activities
1. Light the Night
Take an evening walk or drive to see Christmas lights. As you go, talk about how the shepherds carried what they’d seen out into the darkness. Ask, “Where can we bring light this week?” Pray together before bed: “Jesus, help us shine Your light wherever we go.”
2. Tell the Story Tree
Each family member writes one way they’ve seen God’s goodness this year—big or small—on a slip of paper. Fold and hang them on the Christmas tree with ribbon. By Christmas morning, your tree will hold a story of His faithfulness.
Recipe Options:
1. Shepherds’ Trail Mix
Combine pretzels (staffs), popcorn (flocks), chocolate chips (sweetness), and mini marshmallows (light). Snack together while reading Luke 2:17–18 and talking about how the shepherds took their story everywhere they went.
2. “Spread the Joy” Sugar Cookies
Bake a simple batch of sugar cookies—round like little lights. As you frost them together, talk about how the shepherds spread the good news, and how you can “spread joy” this week—through kindness, invitation, or encouragement. Package a few and deliver them to a neighbor, teacher, or friend as your family’s way of sharing light.
