As I sit before my computer I am made aware that I am here yet again…

It is time to celebrate the birth of my Savior and I feel a bit like the Surprise Party that I attended last week:

Blessed to be here and  thankful I was even invited!

I think of those shepherds who had no idea when they went to work that night of the life- changing event that was about to happen. I think back to the night I had been invited to my friend’s church Junior High School retreat in the mountains. I had no idea that what would happen that night would be something I would come to think about and thank God for every day of my life.

That was the night, like those humble sheep watchers, I found out that heaven wanted me to meet Jesus. I too discovered that He had been born for me. I too was given very practical directions as to how I could personally find Him.

I didn’t have to go into a nearby town. All I needed was to open my heart.

I didn’t need to find his family. They were the ones giving me directions.

I didn’t have to make some great promise. I simply needed to believe what I was told.

Yet just like those first recipients of the “Good News”, I too responded to the divine revelation God brought to me.

The shepherds got angels. I got Jess Maples and Gene Shafer.

The shepherds got their story put in the Bible. I got my name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!

The shepherds told others they met about what had happened to them.

I pray the same will be able to be said of me.

I believe my Savior still turns lost sheep and lost men into shepherds with a story to tell!

Merry Christmas!