The Christmas Story Doesn't End at the Manger
We all know the Christmas story—or at least we think we do. Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, no room at the inn, angels appearing to shepherds in the fields, and the birth of Jesus in a humble stable. It's beautiful, serene, and perfectly captured in countless nativity scenes around the world.
But what if I told you we've been missing the most important part?
The Forgotten Ending
In Luke chapter 2, after the shepherds find Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus lying in a manger, something remarkable happens. The Bible tells us "they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child." These outcasts of society—men who lived with their flocks, smelled like their animals, and were considered so untrustworthy they couldn't get a fair trial in court—immediately became the first evangelists of the gospel.
They didn't wait to clean themselves up. They didn't attend seminary or get their theology degrees. They didn't debate whether they were qualified enough or if it was the right time. They simply couldn't contain what they'd experienced, so they went everywhere telling everyone about what they'd seen and heard.
The Most Generous Gift
Christmas is naturally a season of generosity—giving presents, donating to causes, serving others. These acts of kindness matter and reflect God's heart. But the shepherds remind us of an essential truth: the most generous thing we can ever do is share Jesus with others.
While meeting physical needs is important, introducing someone to Christ meets the deepest need of the human soul. When we share Jesus, we're not just improving someone's circumstances—we're inviting them into eternal transformation.
You're Already Qualified
Here's what makes the shepherds' story so powerful for us today: if they were qualified to share Jesus, then so are you. These weren't religious experts or people with their lives perfectly together. They were nobodies who met Somebody, and that encounter changed everything.
Too often, we disqualify ourselves from sharing our faith. We think we don't know the Bible well enough, haven't prayed enough, or still have areas of our lives that need work. But the shepherds show us that all we need is an encounter with Jesus and a willingness to tell others what we've heard and seen.
Three Simple Principles
The shepherds give us a beautiful blueprint for sharing our faith:
Live a life of worship - When the world sees your passion for God, it creates wonder and curiosity
Share what you've heard and seen - Simply tell people about the hope, healing, and transformation you've witnessed
Stop debating and start sharing everywhere - At the gym, coffee shop, school pickup, workplace—don't overthink it, just do it
A Challenge for the New Year
This Christmas, don't let the story end with leftover ham and wrapping paper on the floor. Let it be the starting gun for a year of impact. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus? Who are you believing will encounter Him through your witness?
The shepherds had nothing, yet they possessed everything. And when they chose to share what they'd been given, lives were forever changed. That same opportunity is ours today.