What makes a “got to be there” event? The shepherds certainly made sure they got to the birth of Jesus!

Luke 2:8-21

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ 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.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

What makes a “got to be there” event? We’ve heard this phrase used to describe concerts, retail sales and political announcements. You’re missing out if you’re not there!  It’s how we would describe the birth of your child, or attending a friend’s wedding. It’s a “got to be there” event. These events instigate some significant change either in our life or others, a significant change that impacts on our relationships or quality and experience of life. We don’t just want to hear about it second hand! You’ve got to be there! You’ll remember this for the rest of your life (and live in the aftermath of whatever it is)!

The shepherds hurried to find the baby that the angels spoke to them about. This little one was to be the promised Messiah! The Lord! The one who brings peace to earth! Wow!

We’ve got to be there!

These claims bring huge significance and change to the lives of the shepherds. I wonder how much they understood of the promise and purpose of the Messiah? That he would come to reverse the curse, to lead God’s people in righteousness, to heal the relationship between God and mankind; to bring forgiveness and hope; to break the chains of death.

We’ve got to be there! We’ve got to be a part of this!

It’s interesting to think about this attitude and how we think about attending things like church or growth group. Is there more going on here than we credit?

God’s people coming together to encourage, remind and challenge each other in love to live expectantly that God is at work in our world winning over hearts and lives for eternity.

Wow! We’ve got to be a part of that!

There is a day coming when Jesus will return to make everything right again. To finish what he started. This will be another “got to be there” event- when Jesus brings about lasting change, where there will be no more crying or sickness or pain.

Head: What were/are 3 significant “got to be there” events in your life?

Heart: How would you feel in the shepherd’s shoes?

Hands: Can you see the significance of meeting together with God’s people as we look forward to what God will do in the future? Could these be “got to be there” events that shape our week?

Prayer: Thank you Father for the gift of your son Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah who went about the business of reversing the curse of sin, and bringing hope and peace for us. This event changes my life, and I want to be there when you make everything new! Please help me to make the most of church and growth group as events now that help shape me and others to serve you. You really do change our lives for good. In your name, amen.

A song to listen to: Our Savior and Our King

Brad Cole