Wondering or Sharing?

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."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  Luke 2:15-18

When the angels told some shepherds of Christ’s, the Messiah’s, birth they were excited and went to see Jesus.  What they witnessed was more than a baby.  In the child’s presence there emanated an awe-inspiring peace, a fulfilling love that overwhelmed them – the presence of God came on them.  They were thankful for the angel’s good news given them; they had to share this wonderful gift of the promised One to all.

But, there are two types of people who heard the “good news” of Christ, Immanuel.  There were the shepherds who shared the gift they had received.  There were those who heard the good news and “were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”  The shepherds were thankful and shared the gift, the good news.  There were “all who heard” the good news and “were amazed,” at the shepherds story, then the verse ends, period.

 

To be amazed, the Greek thaumazo, renders a meaning, to admire; to marvel, or wonder.  It is not an action word, merely how we consider what we have heard.  Hearing the good news is simply receiving an opportunity for a gift, we wonder about it, it is not a responsive action.  I’ve been amazed by many stories, but wondered how much truth was in it and how much is bologna.  I’ve also been amazed by a gift I have received, but never gave thought nor action to sharing it. 

Anyone who has received Christmas, as the shepherds did, will be thankful, and share the good news they have received. In example, philanthropist W. Clement Stone, of Chicago once asked a question, to which he immediately shared his heart’s answer, “If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” Has the good news overwhelmed you, are you thankful for the news, and are you sharing the news of Christ, or merely amazed by the story and in wonder of the holiday?


Sharing,

 

Owen <><

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" – which means, "God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (Isaiah 7:14)