NINE DAYS TO CHRISTMAS: The Shepherds' Response

December 16 Devotional Meditation

By Dr Patrick Elijah Anyomi 

Key Text:

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." — Luke 2:20 (NIV)

Devotional Meditation:

What a glorious homecoming! The shepherds—simple, faithful, and likely overlooked in their society—returned to their fields as transformed men. But they didn't just go back to work; they went back worshiping! Their journey to the manger wasn't a momentary diversion; it became the defining moment of their lives. They had heard the angelic announcement, they had seen the swaddled Savior, and now they couldn't contain the explosion of joy within them! The Greek word for "returned" here (hypostrephō) means to turn back, but it implies a complete cycle—they came back to their ordinary fields, but they were now carrying an extraordinary testimony.

Notice the beautiful confirmation: "which were just as they had been told." This is the reward of simple, obedient faith! They didn't debate the angels; they didn't form a committee. They said, "Let's go... and see" (Luke 2:15). And when they arrived, every single promise was verified. The Messiah was exactly where and who the angel said He would be. Their faith was met with 100% divine confirmation. This is the heart of the Christmas miracle: God is a promise-keeper, and He delights to reveal Himself to those who seek Him with humble hearts.

Your faith, too, is met with glorious confirmation! The Child they saw is now your risen King. The promise made to them is the promise fulfilled in you. This Christmas, you don't have to go looking for Him in a stable; He has made His home in your heart by the Spirit! Like the shepherds, you can return to your everyday life—your work, your family, your routine—glorifying and praising God because everything He said is true!

Prayer of Glorious Praise:

Faithful Promise-Keeper! Our hearts overflow with praise like the shepherds!

· We thank You for rewarding simple, obedient faith with the glorious confirmation of Your presence.

· We glorify and praise You for all we have heard in Your Word and seen in our lives—Your goodness, faithfulness, and salvation are exactly as You promised!

· We ask for shepherds' hearts—quick to believe, quick to obey, and quick to worship.

· Let our return to our daily lives be marked by continuous praise, making our workplaces, homes, and communities places of testimony to Your goodness.

· This Christmas, renew in us the wonder of seeing Your promises verified in our lives all over again.

God of All Truth! As we celebrate, anchor our joy not in fleeting feelings but in the rock-solid confirmation that Your Word is true, Your Son is real, and Your promises are yes and amen in Christ! In the trustworthy name of Jesus, we pray, Amen! 

Declaration of Verified Faith:

"Like the shepherds, I have seen and heard the Lord! His promises to me are just as He said. I return to my world glorifying and praising God! My life is a testimony that His Word is true and His presence is real!"