So let's go to Bethlehem

In awe of a spectacular message, the shepherds in the Gospel of Luke made a very important decision that we must not overlook today. "Let's move on to Bethlehem, then" was the response that catapulted these ranchers to the most dazzling event in human history. In Bethlehem, almighty God incarnated in the person of the tender baby called Jesus. By taking the initiative to move to the manger, the shepherds cease to be recipients of a supernatural announcement and become co-participants in God's divine plan for humanity (Luke 2:18).

The travel time to the manger or the geographical distance between the shepherds and the baby Jesus could have been valid excuses for not going to Bethlehem. However, the biblical account informs us that the shepherds marched towards the manger "in a hurry" (verse 16) despite the possible complications generated by their decision. This helps us to recognize the fact that every “announcement” and “call” from God to our lives always produces some kind of mishap in our routine. The shepherds armed with faith and courage took the initiative to participate in the very special event entrusted to them.

On this day I invite you to ask yourself, what are the announcements and / or assignments that God has entrusted to you? Perhaps today you, like the pastors in this story, are in the process of transitioning from being a recipient to being a co-participant in the message that God has given to your life. Perhaps you have been called to work with the elders in your congregation, or with people in prisons, or children in your community, or the sick in hospitals, or as a Bible school teacher. Perhaps God is propelling you to a new path where you have never walked. Whatever your call or announcement, know that today the Holy Spirit is present and ready to give you the strength to move forward in faith and courage, just as these pastors did. There will always be complications in our path that attempt to forge God's divine plan for our lives. However, today we overcome inertia and cling to the example of the shepherds. Above all, on this day we surrender to the supernatural care of the Holy Spirit who "empowers" us and gives us courage to face the challenges we encounter before and during our walk towards the "manger". Let us then move firmly and with determination towards Bethlehem .... "