Seeking Jesus

This is the season we talk about decorating, buying gifts, we attend programs and it is all because of Jesus.

I attended a program for minister's wives this week. It was fun meeting some new women, the decorations were pretty and the food was great. The program was very simple because it was to be a night to pamper these wives.

One of the minister's wives read the Christmas story. As she read that familiar passage out of Luke, I wondered how many times I have heard that scripture read in my lifetime. I tried to really focus and listen as though it was the first time I had ever heard this passage read.

The shepherds caught my attention. These were men who had a difficult and sometimes lonely job. They slept outside in the elements, protected their sheep and provided for their sheep. It was very important to them because it was their livelihood.

When the angels came to the shepherds and announced the birth of our Savior, it must have been a glorious sight! After the angels left, what did the shepherds do? They could have spent the evening retelling what they heard and saw. They could have gone home and shared with their families this unusual event. Maybe they did both of these things, but we do know that they began to seek Jesus.

When you hear a message about our Lord, what do you do with it? Do you review it or criticize it or time it? When was the last time you took time to seek Jesus?

What about the effort it took for the shepherds to find Jesus? There was major travel time and energy required for this trip. Yet, they thought it was worth it.

This season would be a great time to check up on your daily time in the Word. How much time are you giving to seeking Jesus? Are you willing to get up a little early, turn the TV off at night or change your plans in order to spend time with Him?

The shepherds focus was completely on seeing Jesus. They traveled for months or maybe years to see and meet Jesus. We only have to speak, reach for our Bibles, listen.

Receive the "Tidings of great joy" this season and seek Jesus.