The shepherds who were notified of Christ’s birth by the angelic messenger and who witnessed the heavenly concert of praise, lost no time in going to Bethlehem to see the Saviour for themselves. As a result of that journey, they became the first human missionaries: “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child” (Luke 2:17).

From that moment they became men on the move. Our last look at them finds them going out and returning giving praise to God for sending His Son into the world. Tending sheep would never be quite enough again. They had been entrusted with the most important message ever given to man and they were determined to share it.

The moving force in their lives is now the fact that Christ has come and that He is all that was promised. They have found enough in Him to fill their hearts. And that truth is vital if we are to be effective witnesses. No one can be a convincing representative for the Saviour until he finds Him sufficient for his own needs. If we give ourselves to complaining and griping over our lot in life and in our everyday experiences, we will be of little influence on others. Faultfinding Christians are poor ambassadors of the King. Sour citizens of heaven have little impact on citizens of earth.

The Lord has come! This is a day for rejoicing, a time to glorify and praise God as did the shepherds so long ago. And better still, a day to start a life of praise that lasts throughout the year.