Church!

When the LORD, the chief Shepherd, made Himself a temple of a human body to dwell among His people, the announcement of His birth came first to shepherds.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:8-11

When the Lord spoke to them, the Shechinah glory surrounded them. The heavenly host praised God for His great mercy: The Creator of the universe had humbled Himself to dwell among His creation and bring salvation to the world.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:15-17 

The shepherds were witnesses – they did not delay. They came with haste. They then told everyone not only what the angel had said to them about this child, but also what they had witnessed for themselves.

The shepherds delivered the message. Those that heard wondered at the message. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for the good news that they had heard AND witnessed.

Just as pastors – shepherds of the chief Shepherd – taking the Word to the world that they not only have heard but have witnessed in their own life for themselves.

Be born of God – of water and of the Spirit – repent, be water baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38).

Hear the Word – obey the Word – experience it for yourself – then take the word to the world!

Church!