“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
(Luke 2:16)

"Run to the Manger: The Shepherds' Response to Glory"

Luke 2:16 tells of the shepherds’ hurried journey to see the newborn Jesus. After the angel’s announcement of the Savior’s birth, they didn't hesitate—they ran to find Him. Their response models for us a heart that seeks Christ with urgency, faith, and wonder. In a world of distractions, may we too run to Jesus and behold the miracle of His presence with joy and reverence.

Meditation

“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”
(Luke 2:16)

This bible verse is the culmination of a divine interruption. Ordinary shepherds, tending their sheep under a night sky, are met by angelic glory and the stunning announcement of the Messiah's birth. Their response? They hurried off.

They didn’t delay. They didn’t doubt. They didn’t debate. They acted with urgency and faith , running toward the miracle God had revealed.

1. God Reveals Himself to the Humble

The shepherds were not the religious elite or political leaders. They were common, overlooked men—and yet God chose them as the first to hear the news of Jesus' birth.

This is a powerful reminder that God honors humility . He draws near to those who are lowly in spirit and willing to listen.

• James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

• Luke 1:52 – “He has lifted up the humble.”

Just as the shepherds were chosen to witness glory, we too are invited to draw near to Christ, no matter our background or status.

2. Seek Jesus with Urgency and Joy

“So they hurried off…” The shepherds didn’t procrastinate. They left their flocks, their comfort, and their routines because nothing mattered more than finding the Savior.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to delay seeking Jesus—thinking there’s always time later. But the shepherds show us that when God speaks, we move .

• Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

• Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

Run to Jesus today—not later, not someday. Now is the moment to draw near.

3. Encountering Jesus Changes Everything

When the shepherds found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, they encountered the fulfillment of a promise , the embodiment of hope, and the beginning of redemption. They didn’t leave the same way they came.

• Luke 2:20 – “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen.”

When we truly encounter Jesus, our hearts are stirred to worship. He becomes not just a story—but our Savior , our peace, our everything.

Bible verse of the day

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus—the Savior of the world. Just as You called the shepherds from the fields to the manger, You call me today to draw near to You.

Help me not to delay. Stir in me a heart that seeks You with urgency and joy. Let me lay aside distractions and run to You, the source of peace and hope.

May I never lose the wonder of Your presence. Let my life be marked by the same faith and awe that led the shepherds to bow before You.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.