Tag Archive for: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

When the shepherds got up from their knees after the incredible angelic God-encounter, they were changed. They had seen and heard directly from the King of the Universe – their Great Shepherd! They dropped everything, stepped out in faith and immediately started a faith journey to Bethlehem. “Tidings (Comfort and Joy)”, is today’s complementary download. It is a medley of two well know Christmas carols: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Joy To the World” The arrangement starts with a heart beating, plodding, uncertainty and ends with a joyful party. This pairing of songs tell the rest of the shepherd’s story as described in Luke 2:15-20 (NIV):

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.

How do I know the shepherds were “changed”? They were stirred to act immediately on what they had seen and heard: they went (hurried off) and saw Jesus. Isn’t it interesting that these sheepherders (with the lowest social status of the day) were the first to see “the Lamb of God” (their lamb)! Once more, as with another shepherd (boy) King David, God was searching the hearts of this poor motley group – open, humble hearts that were ready to receive the message and act on that message.  As you read on, a miracle happens in the lives of this group of spiritual leaders who were given boldness to spread the news to all who would listen. Were those who heard the good news as amazed by the message as the bearers of the message? … I think so. Mary “treasured up” and “pondered” these [miracle] things in her heart. The shepherds traveled back to their homeland filled with worship singing “Joy to the world, the Lord is Come”!

God is constantly at work all around us  (and in us). We need to open our eyes and search for Him –  open our ears to His still small voice. We need to have humble, servant, open hearts to be used of Him. Oh that He would change us too, to be stirred to act immediately on His calling in our lives.

GLORY :: “Tidings (Comfort and Joy)” http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trevordick4