Christmas time is here! Between parties and packing, shopping and wrapping, we have a bunch of rushing to do. Even our carols are characterized by words like “busy” and “bustle” (which means “to move in an energetic or noisy manner,” in case you were wondering).
There was a bustling at the first Christmas too. But this expedited pace wasn’t a rush to the next office party, or a last minute baking frenzy for an unforeseen cookie exchange.
No. This was a sacred rush, a hurrying of heavenly proportions. This was the shepherds race to experience the divine:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 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 2:8-16 NIV
The shepherds dropped everything they were doing and HURRIED OFF to find the Savior.
It wasn’t a Black Friday sale scurry.
It wasn’t a distant-relatives house relay.
It was a rushing to experience Jesus.
Adults need this kind of holy hurry.
This heavenly hastening to align ourselves nearer to the Savior of the world.
We need to re-ignite that kind of excitement, urgency to chase down the sacred like the shepherds did.
The shepherds abandoned their expectations to advance toward the eternal. Jesus’ coming was life-changing enough to take some time off.
To drop everything to experience proximity.
To then tell others about it, and spread the good news of great joy for all people.
Lord, the only thing I want to hurry up for this Christmas is you. Give me that sense of unsettled urgency to experience Your presence above all else.
Campfire Check In?
What will you let go of in order to experience proximity to the Savior this season?
Love this! All of it, but especially this: “This was a sacred rush, a hurrying of heavenly proportions.” Sharing to my ladies’ Bible study group page!
Thank you!