This Week: Dec. 15 - 21
Showing Up for Christmas: The Shepherds’ Journey of Hope
This week’s sermon reflected on Luke 2:15-20, highlighting the shepherds' role in the Nativity story. These overlooked and underestimated figures responded to God’s invitation with hope and curiosity, taking a pilgrimage that transformed them forever.
"Anywhere can be a sacred place if we are willing to expand our minds and see what God is doing."
The shepherds’ story reminds us that faith often calls us to step out of the ordinary, embrace the unknown, and walk with hope toward what God is revealing.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Hope in Action: The shepherds acted on hope, stepping into the unknown with open hearts.
- Sacred Journeys: Pilgrimage is more about intention than distance; it’s about seeking God and being open to transformation.
- God Meets Us Where We Are: Like the shepherds, we don’t need to be in grand temples or high places to encounter God’s presence.
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Responding to God’s Call
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:15-16
The shepherds didn’t hesitate—they acted on the message they received. Faith often requires movement, even when the destination is unclear.
Action Step: Reflect on an area in your life where God is calling you to take a step of faith.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, give me the courage to respond to Your call, even when I don’t fully understand the path ahead.
The shepherds didn’t hesitate—they acted on the message they received. Faith often requires movement, even when the destination is unclear.
Action Step: Reflect on an area in your life where God is calling you to take a step of faith.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, give me the courage to respond to Your call, even when I don’t fully understand the path ahead.
Day 2: Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary
Scripture Reference: Genesis 28:16
Jacob discovered God’s presence in an ordinary place. The shepherds experienced this, too.
Action Step: Take a walk today and pause to notice God’s presence in your surroundings.
Prayer Prompt: Father, help me to see Your presence in the ordinary moments of my life.
Jacob discovered God’s presence in an ordinary place. The shepherds experienced this, too.
Action Step: Take a walk today and pause to notice God’s presence in your surroundings.
Prayer Prompt: Father, help me to see Your presence in the ordinary moments of my life.
Day 3: Journeying Together
Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
The shepherds went together, finding strength and support in community. Faith journeys are best shared.
Action Step: Reach out to a friend or family member to pray or reflect together this week.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to journey with others as we seek You together.
The shepherds went together, finding strength and support in community. Faith journeys are best shared.
Action Step: Reach out to a friend or family member to pray or reflect together this week.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to journey with others as we seek You together.
Day 4: Cultivating Hope
Scripture Reference: Romans 15:13
Hope fueled the shepherds’ journey. It wasn’t blind optimism but trust in God’s promises.
Action Step: Write down one promise of God that brings you hope. Keep it visible this week.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, strengthen my hope in You, especially when the journey feels long or uncertain.
Hope fueled the shepherds’ journey. It wasn’t blind optimism but trust in God’s promises.
Action Step: Write down one promise of God that brings you hope. Keep it visible this week.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, strengthen my hope in You, especially when the journey feels long or uncertain.
Day 5: Returning with Praise
Scripture Reference: Psalm 100:4
The shepherds returned from their journey glorifying and praising God, transformed by what they had seen.
Action Step: Begin and end your day by praising God for the ways He is working in your life.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, may my heart overflow with praise for all You have done and are doing in my life.
The shepherds returned from their journey glorifying and praising God, transformed by what they had seen.
Action Step: Begin and end your day by praising God for the ways He is working in your life.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, may my heart overflow with praise for all You have done and are doing in my life.
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