So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 
- Luke 2:16-18
 
The shepherds went in search of the baby. They crossed fields in the night. They risked their flocks and their livelihoods. They faced the possibility of embarrassment and disappointment. And they found Jesus.
 
Whatever it takes, find Jesus this Christmas.
 
Don’t let the season slip by without him. Don’t let the lights and presents and parties and activity and family fun and family drama and all of that take up all of your attention. Don’t miss Jesus. Don’t miss joy.
 
When you connect with Jesus, joy follows.
 
The shepherds, full of joy, spread the word about Jesus. These weren’t upright citizens and social elites. They stunk and had a reputation for laziness or simplicity (depending on whether you believed Aristotle or Philo). And yet their enthusiasm, earnestness, and joy sparked amazement in all who heard their story of their encounter with Jesus.
 
Today, we know Jesus not just as the much-vaunted baby in the manger. We’ve seen him grown, showing compassion, enduring pain, conquering death, saving humanity. We have as much news to spread as the shepherds. And when joy fills our hearts, we find ourselves doing just that.
 
Who can you tell about Jesus today? Who can you invite to come and meet him on Christmas? How might God use your joy to spark amazement in others today?