Eight days before Christmas

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luke 2:8 NKJV

Some of God’s most faithful followers have been shepherds.

Abraham, Moses, Israel, and David were all shepherds.

In fact all the sons of Israel were shepherds except Joseph.

The prophet Amos was a shepherd.

Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, And the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’
Amos 7:14‭-‬15 NKJV

There’s definitely something about shepherding which seems to draw one to God.

A group of shepherds were about to meet Him face to face.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will  be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:9‭-‬12 NKJV

As if this wasn’t enough to get their attention…

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:13‭-‬14 NKJV

These nameless men, suddenly became historical giants.

Because they were given a very special gift.

They were invited to see the Babe Who would save the world.

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
Luke 2:15‭-‬18 NKJV

Obviously, God knew exactly who He was inviting to the Nativity.

These shepherds didn’t keep quiet about what they’d seen.

They shared the good news “widely”.

This Christmas let us follow their example.

Let us share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

His birth, His life, His death, and His Resurrection!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for choosing these humble shepherds to be the ones to receive the announcement of Your birth as well as spread the good news of Who You are. Lord, I love that You are the Good Shepherd. You have done more for me than I can even comprehend. Lord, thank You! Please help me and my family to share the good news of You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Christmas Fair

I’m so thankful to the Lord for all He has taught me.

His faithfulness is unimaginable.

I’ve been stretched a good deal during this venture and I’m glad.

Here’s a few things I learned:

Let go of personal expectations and simply serve.

Time spent simply chatting and listening to those who wandered into the booth was a mutual blessing.

There was such joy in smiles shared and watching children play with the toys even though they bought nothing.

Sharing Jesus without words.

Looking back it’s startling how many people stopped by simply to thank us for having the courage to proclaim the real reason for the season.

Our best selling signs were Nativities.

Our best selling peg dolls were Nativities.

Other vendors are as important as customers.

While sitting in our booth I was able to pray for the lady across from us.

Many other vendors stopped in to chat and some made purchases, but it was the conversations which held the greatest value.

Place the schedule in God’s hands.

Knowing the area seems to aggravate my asthma I’d been praying for strength and ability to run the booth. Others had let me know they too were lifting me up in prayer.

So, as I set each day’s schedule it was a walk of faith to be able to fulfill my time slots.

My family were incredible. Both our middle girls, son, and my sweet wonderful hubby spent time in the booth or did other things which helped immeasurably.

Saturday night I had an asthma attack. In my heart I knew it was the end for my time in the booth.

Sunday my husband worked the whole shift with help from our daughter and our booth partners, Unbound Farms. I drove home with our son.

I’m already feeling better.

I’m so thankful to God for all He has done.

In the end our time at the Christmas Fair was about sharing Jesus.

If we do it again, I’m sure God will have more lessons in store and more people to serve.