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.”

The shepherds are a responsive crew. They’ve heard the message. They’ve listened to the song and, now the angels have gone, they know it’s time to take action.

‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened’ they say, but they also attribute the message correctly.

Sure they’ve just been mobbed by angels, but they know that the message they received from the angels is actually from the Lord.

And that is what makes all the difference. That is why it needs a response.

What, if any, message has God given to you lately? Is there something he’s told you about? Have you acted on it?

If not, what’s holding you back?

For as the angels said earlier, there would be a sign: a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. That is how the shepherds would know that the angels’ words were true. There really was a Messiah born that day.

People often have signs out the front of their houses, so you know you’ve found the right one if you’ve never been there before. Of course, you ask them for the address (seems a rather key thing to do) but then if you want verification you’ve headed to the right place, the name of their house will help you be certain.

Same for the shepherds.

When, and only when, they took the step of faith to go to Bethlehem would they find out whether the Lord was behind the message or not.

Same for us.

If we are uncertain whether God is in the message or not, we can still step out in faith knowing that if it is from God, it will be true.

However, the message cannot be tested and proven until we step out.

So, whatever your current version of ‘planning to travel to Bethlehem’ is, why not do it today?  If God is in the message, it will prove true.

Yours with a message,

Alison