"When the angels had returned to heaven the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger." (Luke 2:15-16 NLT)
In my Christmas reading this week, I happened upon the Luke 2 nativity in the New Living Translation. The phrase “Let’s go!” jumped off the page, probably because our son has taken to using it as a favored expression. It’s rooted in gaming culture: streamers share this assertion of excitement or encouragement as they virtually battle. It is more of a victory salute than a mid-brawl boost.
Here’s a handy-dandy, albeit dry explanation video.
With “Let’s go!” established in our minds, we turn out attention back to our Christmas story. The shepherds had gotten this incredible angelic visitation. When the rock concert in the sky concluded, they looked at each other and said “Let’s go!” It was a culmination of “Wow, did that really just happen?” and encouragement all rolled into one. They were reveling in the truth they had just experienced first hand AND they were motivating each other to go and see the Messiah.
We have so much in common with those first recipients of the messianic message. We are still men and women wandering out in the wilderness, doing our darnedest in the dark with what has been entrusted to our care. We are still utterly hopeless to improve our own spiritual estate. We too, are poor, dirty and downcast until the sky splits open and a Savior is announced.
The first century herdsmen heard the good news and immediately spurred one another on toward the Savior. What a great reminder for all of us still out in the fields! We receive Christmas rightly when we hear the gospel with glad hearts and keep on tugging each other toward the tiny newborn King.
Let’s Go!
"After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherd's story were astonished." (Luke 2:17-18 NLT)
Lord, like the shepherds, we are wandering in fields between Egypt and Canaan, trying to find our way Home. We are weary and bleary but You are near. Grant us gusto to spur one another on n our faith. Keep us motivated as we recall the gift of Your presence, Immanuel, God with us. May we remain enthused as we make our way in obedience. Amen.