When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. Luke 2:15-16 

Years ago when I was in Pennsylvania the Philadelphia Eagles made the playoffs. (Hang with me now, all of you Redskins fans, I know you can’t relate to this, but work with me anyway…)  The entire city was captivated by Eagles football. Every day it was front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer, all over the local broadcast TV and the talk at every water cooler in every office complex in the suburbs. Even nominal fans (like me) were caught up with the excitement. The year was 1995 and the Eagles were entering the postseason with a 10-6 record playing the Detroit Lions in the wild card round at Veteran’s Stadium. Tickets were impossible to come by as game day approached- December 30, 1995. 

At the time my father-in-law was vice president of Rumsey Electric Company- a Philadelphia icon that did much business in the city. He happened upon two tickets to the game- 50 yard line, three rows back available for free. Now my father-in-law has no interest in football. None, Nada, Zilch. He’s just barely aware that the game exists. As he racked his brain for who he knew that might be interested in going to the game; no one came to mind. I only found out on game day in casual conversation. He had given them to a subordinate. Merry Christmas. 

“You had WHAT?! I asked incredulously. 

“Well, I know you don’t watch much football and with your busy schedule during the holidays and being a pastor and all…” His voice trailed off tentatively. 

The Eagles scored 31 points in the second half, picked off 6 interceptions and won the game 58-37 in the highest scoring game in NFL post season history. I heard about it, but I never experienced it. I’m still bitter, but just a little. 

…So I was thinking about the shepherds. Their mundane night watching sheep is suddenly interrupted by angel choirs. “A Savior has been born…” They sing. The sight dazzles the eyes and electrifies the imagination. And then, poof, the angels are gone. Darkness, cold and silence settles back in. The campfire flicker, the sheep rustle around a little. 

What just happened? The tickets were dropped off. The invitation was given. 

When you think about it, the shepherds could have quit right then. They had received a supernatural visitation from God. How often does THAT happen? They had a story to tell their children and grandchildren. You know, son, I was there when the angels announce Jesus’ birth. I’ll never forget that day…. But wrapped up in the announcement to the shepherds was a choice. Do they go further or do they stay? Are they satisfied with what they have seen or will they go and be forever changed by what they encounter at the manger? 

We have the same choice today. Will we be satisfied with hearing about Jesus or will we go to the manger and experience Him for ourselves? Are we content with our ticket (to heaven), however miraculously it may have been delivered, or are we going to actually get in the game? 

This Christmas allow your hunger for a Savior to rise. This age old story about Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus has power to transform your life. But you only find out by leaving the life that you know and going to the manger.